The European automotive industry has urged the EU to truly coordinate policies towards maintaining and improving the strength of the European automotive sector. “The automotive sector is a cornerstone of the EU economy. Twelve million families depend on it”, said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufactures Association (ACEA) at a press conference in Brussels.

The press conference, hosted by European Employment Commissioner Vladimir Spidla, was a follow-up of the 4th EU Restructuring Forum, held in October and dedicated to the automotive sector. Within the Forum, of which the Commission organises several in the framework of its new industrial policy and the Lisbon Agenda, the European Commission, the metalworkers federation and the European automotive industry had underlined their partnership in the ‘anticipation of change’. "The accompanying partnership declaration firmly states that improving competitiveness is a first priority for industry, unions and regulators alike", said Hodac. "EU companies have helped shape the European
social model and are committed to sustaining it. To achieve this, we need a sound business environment."

“The importance of a supporting regulatory framework is often underestimated”, said Hodac. "The European automotive industry is one of the most regulated sectors in Europe. It is of utmost importance that regulation does not unnecessarily add to production costs, increase bureaucracy and hamper flexibility." Hodac recalled the important work of CARS21 (Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st Century), involving representatives of national governments, the Commission, the European Parliament, the automotive industry, environmentalists, trade unions, suppliers, consumers and the oil industry.

"CARS21 has described the path to further strengthening of the automotive industry whilst at the same time continuing progress on environmental and road safety issues. The CARS21 recommendations, however, are not being adequately put into practice", said Hodac. "We see too many examples of administrative choices that are politically driven without a sound, transparent and methodical assessment of the potential impact on competitiveness and employment levels in the European economy and following the outcome of CARS21. The European Commission has made betterregulation a priority. She should address this challenge with more consistency and rigour."