The European Commission (EC) has published its communication, “Europe on the move – An agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean, competitive and connected mobility for all.” CLEPA, the European association of the automotive supply industry, says it supports the ambition of the EC to keep the European transport sector, and the European automotive industry in particular, at the forefront of shaping the global mobility of the future.
According to CLEPA, European automotive component suppliers lead the world in technologies for efficient, low-emissions vehicles and invest heavily in the development of connected and automated driving. A large variety of technology solutions will be required to meet society’s ever more diverse mobility needs.
“The EU is tasked with making the best possible use of its manufacturing base in the global race for competitiveness and technology leadership, building on the strengths of the homebase to achieve its environmental goals and boast a strong innovative automotive manufacturing sector as well,” said Sigrid de Vries, secretary general of CLEPA.
Funding support by Member States and the EU for R&D (in particular through Horizon 2020 and CEF, the connecting Europe facility) matching the substantial investment of the private sector, will continue to play an important role too.
The EC communication promotes a comprehensive and integrated approach toward tackling the challenges and opportunities offered by the fast transition to smart, safe and sustainable mobility.
CLEPA says it welcomes the involvement of all stakeholders in the process of informed decision-making, including international, European, national and local public authorities, trade unions, industry and civil society at-large. In particular, the association adds it is crucial to prevent local or national regulations contradicting each other leading to fragmentation across the European Union.
Similarly, CLEPA urges the need to maintain close links and cooperation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, a leading forum for worldwide harmonized standards. Global technical harmonization fosters international trade of vehicles and parts and contributes to preserve Europe’s leading position in manufacturing.
CLEPA calls on the European Commission to avoid isolated environmental policies for road transport, but extend the comprehensive approach to climate, air quality and digitalization policies, as part of a holistic strategy covering other key sectors of the economy as well.
Technological neutrality should remain the key principle for legislation: this will ensure the widespread innovation across all promising CO2-reduction paths, including alternative powertrains as well as clean and efficient combustion engine technology and advanced alternative fuels.
