- Automotive suppliers call for urgent regulatory adjustments and a long-term strategy to secure industrial competitiveness, investment, and jobs.
- A technology-neutral approach—including plug-in hybrids, range extenders, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels, complementing electrification at the core—is essential to ensuring Europe’s leadership in sustainable mobility.
“Suppliers announced the loss of 54,000 jobs in 2024. More than in the pandemic. This is no longer lightning at the horizon—the impact is real, and it is happening now. Automotive suppliers need urgent action,” says Matthias Zink, CLEPA President. “We call for a regulatory recalibration, with a specific focus on a multi-technological approach. A solution for the short-term pressure created by the 2025 target is important. But this should come in the form of a package, with a view to the long term: A technology-open framework up to 2035 and beyond. Short-term fixes are not enough. We need a long-term strategy that secures industrial competitiveness, investment, and jobs.”
He continues: “The EU has started building the house from the roof down. Climate policies on decarbonisation should instead focus on energy sources and fossil fuels reduction, rather than prescribing specific technologies or final products. With 2035 fast approaching, Europe risks falling behind unless it embraces a broader technological bridge towards electrification—including plug-in hybrids, range extenders, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels.”
CLEPA appreciates the European Commission’s efforts to foster dialogue and create a framework for the industry’s future. However, the Strategic Dialogue discussions must lead to concrete measures that align climate goals with industrial realities. CLEPA and its member companies are committed to engaging with the European Commission to advocate for key priorities that are essential to maintaining the industry’s competitiveness:
- Broaden the CO2 regulations and enable multiple technology options: Ensure a technology-open approach by integrating PHEVs, range extenders, hydrogen and sustainable fuels alongside electrification.
- Align policies with industrial competitiveness: Streamline regulatory instruments into a coherent framework that enables transformation and reduces bureaucratic burden on businesses, particularly SMEs.
- Ensure affordable and low-carbon electricity and access to critical raw materials: Strengthen energy infrastructure and supply chains to secure competitive electricity prices and reliable access to essential materials, supporting Europe’s industrial and climate goals.
- De-risk green and digital investments: Expand public funding to support the industrialization of clean technologies, ensuring Europe’s leadership in sustainable mobility.
- Scale up infrastructure and workforce readiness: Accelerate investment in charging grids, hydrogen, digital infrastructure, and skills development to enable a successful transition.
- Secure strong R&D funding in FP10: Maintain Horizon Europe-level funding for pre-competitive and collaborative research to sustain Europe’s innovation leadership.
- Ensure fair competition and a working marketplace for digitalisation: Establish a regulatory framework that fosters fair access to vehicle data, driving innovation, better engineering, and new market opportunities.
- Boost EU competitiveness in global trade: Strengthen Europe’s position as a manufacturing and investment hub to ensure long-term global competitiveness for the automotive supply industry.
