ACEA calls for action on CARS-21 group

ERJ staff report (DS)

Brussels - The Federation of EU car makers (ACEA) has called for the main recommendations of the final report by the Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st century (CARS 21) High Level Group, to be executed urgently. ACEA has welcomed the recommendations, as has the federation of EU tyre makers, ETRMA.

The report, produced by a coalition of EU Commissioners, various ministers, automobile industry CEOs, suppliers, trade unions and civil society, lists ways and means of strengthening the future of the automobile industry in Europe.

Unfortunately, CARS21 recommendations have often been ignored in the past and we are seeing worrying signals again”, stressed Sergio Marchionne, President of the industry's trade association ACEA and CEO of FIAT S.p.A.. He highlighted, in particular, the way in which Europe is conducting free trade negotiations. “CARS21 rightly emphasises that trade relations should deliver reciprocal benefits, that tariffs should be eliminated and non-tariff barriers dismantled. However, the EU always appears ready to compromise on these conditions as experience has shown with South-Korea and other examples”, said Marchionne. “Trade policy and industrial policy must be aligned and reliable.”

“ETRMA greatly supports the final report of CARS 21" - said ETRMA President Patrick Lepercq. "Not only does it bring innovation at the centre of the 2020 strategy, but it recognises the need to establish a level playing field at home and abroad, as the condition for enterprises to be successful in a globalised economy.”

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Press release from ACEA

Press release from ETRMA

Final Report of CARS-21 High level Group