The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has shared an interesting analysis, perspective, or information with the Serbian Association of Vehicle Importers and Parts. This once again demonstrates the firm commitment of European automotive giants to meet set goals and achieve "zero emissions" ahead of schedule, as evident from the International Motor Show in Geneva.
As the ACEA states, the European automotive industry is facing significant global competition due to a seismic shift from internal combustion engines to battery-powered vehicles in a very short period. Foreign electric car manufacturers are currently ahead in the race, maintaining a competitive edge over Europe. They invested earlier, are more vertically integrated into the battery value chain, have easier access to raw materials, boast a larger economy of scale, and crucially, don't bear the burden of gradually phasing out 17 million internal combustion engine cars over just a decade. In contrast, Europe initially invested in electric cars, neglecting the development of batteries, leading to strategic external dependencies.
So, what is the solution? According to Thomas Pardi, urgent action is needed in the form of a "comprehensive and coordinated" automotive industry policy with a strategy aligning with the components of the Green Deal. Pardi's message is clear: Europe needs to wake up!
His messages align with the ACEA manifesto, calling for a holistic, comprehensive EU industrial strategy covering the entire value chain—from research and development, mining, processing, components, and manufacturing to charging networks, energy, purchase incentives, and recycling.
ACEA President Luca de Meo emphasized that all these conditions must be firmly established to enable the rapid approach to the 2035 deadline for phasing out internal combustion engines. He stated that as business leaders, they would do everything to ensure their companies adhere to these conditions. The commitment to electrification is evident, but collaboration is essential, according to ACEA.
They anticipate a significant regulatory revision on CO2 emissions from the EU to address challenges such as charging infrastructure, accessible green energy, purchase incentives, tax schemes, and workforce skill transformation. As Pardi noted, the electric car market is like a rocket needing pressure to reach orbit—only through collaboration across the automotive ecosystem and with policymakers can the necessary momentum be achieved.
The article also provides statistics on vehicle sales in the EU in January, indicating a 12.1% growth compared to the same month in 2023. Pure electric vehicles captured 10.9% of the market, plug-in hybrids had a 7.8% market share, conventional hybrids stood at 28.8%, gasoline-powered vehicles held 35.2%, and diesel-powered vehicles constituted 13.4%, with a notable increase in Germany.
Source: ACEA
Image (Luca de Meo): Renault media
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