Spain’s acting Industry Minister says she wants the country to become a platform to attract companies involved in CASE technologies as the industry transits from conventional fuel burn to cleaner propulsion alternatives
The Minister, Reyes Maroto, is currently in an acting role, as Madrid wrestles with appointing a new government following yet another general election in just a few years, but has already won plaudits from Spain’s Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Automóviles y Camiones (ANFAC).
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“I am sure we are going to exceed expectations because the Spanish automotive sector has companies which are true leaders in the global market,” Maroto told delegates at the recent Automotive Manufacturing Meetings conference in Madrid. “The sector has to deal with three major trends; digitalisation, globalisation and the transition to a low carbon economy.
“It behoves us as public stakeholders to guarantee this process is orderly. We will be better able to work with the sector and the industry as we strive to achieve the objective of the lowest emissions. We want to ensure Spain becomes a platform to invest in and develop technologies associated with electric vehicles.
“The [Industry] Ministry is fostering our participation in the European Battery Alliance. There are six Spanish companies participating in important projects of common European interests, a project which aims to anchor in Europe those industries which are linked to future value chains.
“The fact industry is able to adapt to those great trends is what will determine the success of a sector. Of course we in government are doing out utmost with the sector so the transition is achieved to sustainable mobility.”
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By GlobalDataThe acting Minister added a recent package had been unveiled by the interim administration to support the automotive sector, which continues to occupy front of mind behind the all-powerful tourism sector which is so important to the country.
“For Spain, this sector is absolutely essential and must continue to perform a very important role in our economy model,” added Maroto. “It is essential we determine what the strategies will be.
“Our administration is committed to accompanying the sector in this transition. This is essential if we are to overcome the challenges we face.”
Spain’s automotive sector turnover rose 2.6% last year to EUR37.17bn (US$42bn) due in part to sustained export efforts.
The country’s supplier association, Sernauto, estimates 2019 will be a tougher year, with growth slowing as trade tensions filter through to the sector.
Crucial negotiations are currently taking place in Madrid in a bid to form a government, but if those fail, Spaniards could find themselves having to go to the ballot box again this November.
