‘Made-in-Europe’ proposal to cover tire production

Hanover, Germany – The European Commission is set to unveil new proposals promoting a ‘Made-in-Europe’ initiative this week, according to Adam McCarthy, secretary general, Tyres Europe.

In a 3 March presentation to Tire Technology Expo in Hanover, McCarthy said the move responds to a recent call by over 1,200 European businesses urging a “European preference” or ‘Made-in-Europe’ agenda.

Supported by the Commission's EVP Stephane Sejourne, responsible for competitiveness and industrial policy, the plan explores ways to use, for example, public procurement to incentivise production in the EU, said McCarthy.

As Europe spends 20% of its GDP on public spending, having public procurement support a 'Made in Europe' and local content agenda could be very significant, said the Tyres Europe leader.

Tires, McCarthy noted, will be included in the automotive sector of the proposal, which will also look at other sectors such as energy and semiconductors too.

This move could drive growth and support demand for better performing tires within Europe, he added.

“We will see the exact contours of this proposal soon, but it will be quite a big discussion, because obviously this is quite a radical issue with regards to the market dynamic,” McCarthy concluded.