Industrial policy
The European automotive industry is the backbone of the EU’s economy, providing 13.8 million direct and indirect jobs, investing €57.4 billion in research and a turnover representing 7% of the EU’s GDP.
The European Commission’s CARS 2020 Action Plan is the EU’s response to the situation faced by Europe’s automobile manufacturers today. It rightly addresses several key issues that are fundamental for the automobile industry. It therefore represents a welcome and important signal that European policy makers understand the need to support the industry in order to achieve progress in areas such as sustainable mobility, environmental protection, employment and economic growth. It is urgent that its recommendations are now effectively and rapidly implemented by all institutions.
