The Spanish automotive supply industry, represented by SERNAUTO, in close coordination with CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, recently presented in Brussels the various technology solutions manufactured in the country in the pursuit of CO2 emissions reduction, contributing to the decarbonization of road transport in the EU.
During a debate for policy makers hosted by Pilar Ayuso, member, European People’s Party (MEP), several representatives from Spanish and Spanish-based companies, including Bosch, CIE Automotive, Gestamp, Grupo Antolin and Valeo, took the floor to introduce a variety of options, such as thermal management, engine efficiency and weight reduction of components and structures, as well as the harnessing of material and energy resources, stressing the need to take all technology options into account in upcoming CO2 legislation for cars and vans.
The European Parliament and Council of Member States are planning for the first reading of a new legislative proposal to reduce car emissions in the 2020-’30 timeframe. The legislation will have a large impact on the European automotive industry, according to CLEPA.
Ayuso said, “Spain has a proud history as a prominent automotive country in Europe, with manufacturing plants rooted all across the country fostering innovation and providing high-skilled employment. It was very interesting to learn what technology can do, and how Europe can build on the strengths of its industry to tackle environmental issues.”
José Portilla, managing director of SERNAUTO, said, “The automotive supply sector is key for the economic fabric of Spain and exports its products to all over the world. It is important, in order to sustain the EU technological leadership and the competitiveness of the automotive suppliers, that Europe continues to have a challenging yet neutral legislative framework.”
Sigrid de Vries, secretary general of CLEPA, added, “CLEPA asks the legislators to maintain an open mind for all technology options and provide a policy framework that positively accelerates innovation in Europe. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to achieve society’s energy-efficiency and CO2-emissions reduction targets: cars, vans, bikes, buses and trucks serve different mobility purposes, and customers must have the choice to pick the technology combination that fits their needs best.”
CLEPA considers the new car CO2 proposal highly demanding and stresses that the focus should turn to how the targets should be met, mitigating disruption to economy and society.
Electrification, hybrid technology, alternative and synthetic fuels, eco-innovations and other solutions to increase energy efficiency all have a role to play, in an integrated policy approach encompassing market incentives, energy mix and infrastructure investments as well.
SERNAUTO and CLEPA members offer mobility solutions that build on their long standing industrial strength to realize ambitious environmental and safety-related objectives, counting multinationals as well as thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises in its membership. Up to 75 percent of the value of an average vehicle comes from its components and parts. Automotive suppliers invest more than half of all automotive research and development in the EU (more than EUR 22 billion per year, or about $29 billion USD). They are a key asset for Europe’s economy and wealth creation, say the organizations.
Specifically, Spanish automotive suppliers contribute significantly to the Spanish economy due to its size, creation of value, interaction with other sectors and exports. It is a strategic sector with revenues of more than 34 billion euros (approximately $40.8 million USD) in 2016 and totalling 343,500 direct and indirect jobs. It’s a sector intensely committed to R&D and innovation, with an investment of 4 percent of its turnover, due to its strong technological base.
