European Commission-backed automotive grouping, CARS 21, says it wants any vehicle produced globally to have the possibility of being marketed in every part of the world.
The second of the five-yearly CARS 21 meetings in Brussels outlined its ambitious proposals as part of a package of measures designed to improve European auto competitiveness against a backdrop of brutal economic conditions and tough international competition.
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The CARS 21 body, comprising suppliers, automotive manufacturers, politicians and national vehicle bodies among others, insists it supports the improvement of market access through trade negotiations and work on regulatory and procedural convergence to achieve worldwide car type approval
“This would mean any car produced in the world can be marketed in any country of the world,” noted a CARS 21 statement given to just-auto in Brussels last night (6 June).
The CARS 21 statement also announced it was taking “concrete actions” in reaction to the current economic challenges, including providing European Union financing for research for future technologies, while also bolstering European Investment Bank lending to industry.
Despite its ’21’ moniker, it appears the grouping is advancing its requests to the European Commission by one year, making constant reference to 2020 in its final communiqué.
It is calling for “rapid progress” in areas such as road safety, intelligent transport systems and electro-mobility, as well as a review of regulations surrounding CO2 emissions from cars and vans.
The report – presented at a joint press conference last night in the Belgian capital by European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) president, Sergio Marchionne and European Commission (EC) vice president, Antonio Tajani – builds on an interim document released six months ago with the latest recommendations now going to the EC for final approval.
