Mediaroom

Brussels, 18 July – Today, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) published its policy priorities for the legislative term 2024-29. The paper, entitled “Driving Ambition to Action – Priorities for Sustainable and Smart Mobility in the EU,” aims to foster a robust dialogue with policymakers, ensuring that the EU remains at the forefront of automotive innovation and competitiveness.

The strategy underscores the need for a technology-open regulatory environment and a competitive industry capable of investing in innovation, manufacturing, and employment within the EU. The paper is meant to inform and facilitate political action at the EU-level over the next five years, which will be crucial to realising these priorities.

The publication details recommendations for road transport regulations that should:

1. 1. Ensure technology-open regulation for an effective decarbonisation of road transport
   2. Unlock competitive and digital services for affordable mobility
   3. Advance sustainability in automotive innovation
   4. Boost resilience and industrial competitiveness
   5. Adapt vehicle safety regulations to the digital age

Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler and President of CLEPA, said: “Digitalisation and the Green Deal have put the automotive industry on an unprecedented course of transformation. Automotive suppliers are delivering the innovations that make the transformation a reality, reinventing our technological foundations in the process. The focus must now shift to making the transition work for industry and people, by ensuring efficient, effective and technology-open implementation. This requires continued dialogue and concrete action from policymakers. Automotive suppliers stand ready to contribute.”

Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General of CLEPA, added: “The industry invests billions of euros each year in innovation. Policymakers must ensure that the EU remains competitive for industrialisation and scaling. We must prioritise the enablers for alternative fuel mobility, advanced and secure digital services, and effective sustainability standards. Political action at the EU level, including the right funding instruments and a flexible regulatory framework, will be crucial to making this work.”