Another MoU is the outcome of the new meeting between the EU Commission and automotive manufacturers
Change is needed to adapt to the global challenges facing the sector. The problem is that the automotive industry seems to be divided on how to do this. The main news was the signing of a new MoU to “accelerate research and innovation in the European automotive sector,” signed by commissioners and stakeholders in the sector.
On September 12, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, together with Commissioners Ekaterina Zaharieva and Apostolos Tzitzikostas, met with a large delegation of top managers from the automotive sector. It was a highly anticipated meeting, as it was thought that it could lead to a decision to substantially revise the roadmap for decarbonizing transport by 2035, with the softening of some of the most controversial targets.
Instead, according to initial official statements, last Friday’s meeting can be considered preliminary. Change is needed to adapt to the global challenges facing the sector. The problem is that the automotive industry seems to be divided on how to do this. The main news was the signing of a new MoU to “accelerate research and innovation in the European automotive sector,” signed by commissioners and stakeholders in the sector.
The EU Commission trying to lead the change in automotive
At the heart of the discussion are the tools (2Zero Partnership, CCAM Partnership, BATT4EU Partnership) already identified in the definition of the Automotive Action Plan, in March. In short, this remains the framework within which to operate in the coming years, which “will be decisive in achieving technological leadership in the connected and autonomous vehicle sector. Greater cooperation and better coordination of investment priorities are essential for developing European-made software, hardware, artificial intelligence models, and autonomous driving ecosystems,” wrote the Commission.
“The European Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Alliance (ECAVA), launched during the strategic dialogue, will serve as a forum for defining a shared industrial agenda. Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen will convene the first meeting at the end of October to kick off the work,” the official statement continued.
Statements from ACEA and their major representatives
This is the comment from ACEA, the association that brings together automotive manufacturers at European level. “The Commission recognised action is needed in three lanes: passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty vehicles. In all these three sectors of road transport, electrification will be the dominant path to zero-emission. Doubling down on demand measures and enabling conditions, such as cheap energy and abundant charging infrastructure, therefore remains a prerequisite to make this systemic transition a success.”
ACEA President Ola Källenius’ words are significant. “We are in this open and constructive dialogue to find a better way to green”, he said. “We may not have cleared all differences yet, nor have the answers to all challenges. But we are positive to see the solution space is broadening, and confident the work of the next months will yield results. Europe simply has to deliver on all accounts: decarbonisation, competitiveness and supply chain resilience.”
“Truck and bus makers are committed to Europe’s green transition: the vehicles are ready, but the enabling conditions are not” stated Christian Levin, CEO of Traton Group and Scania, and representative for the heavy-duty segment within ACEA. “Further to today’s meeting we had a constructive exchange yesterday as well with Commissioners Hoekstra, Tzitzikostas and Jørgensen. We appreciate their recognition that our sector faces distinct challenges requiring dedicated attention, and we look forward to swiftly working together on urgent, tailored measures in a short-term follow-up meeting”.
