The FIA welcomes the re-launch of the CARS 21

Publication date: 12 November 2010

The re-launched CARS 21 high level group for a competitive and sustainable automotive industry met on 10th November for the first time. The aim of this group, under Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship is to formulate sector specific recommendations addressed to national and European policy makers as well as the industry and civil society. The group consists of six European Commissioners, Ministers of 9 automobile producing members states, representatives of the automotive industry, trade unions and NGOs.

Jean Todt, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, participated in this meeting as a member of the high level group. After the meeting the President said that it had been very interesting and informative and that he looked forward to making a contribution on behalf of consumers. He said that it was important that the FIA safeguard mobility and ensure that the rights of consumers are taken into account.

Jacob Bangsgaard, Director General of FIA Region I, has been appointed to the “Sherpa” group, which is responsible with the input to the high level group.

The FIA has participated in the CARS 21 process since its establishment in 2005. At that time the FIA was represented by Max Mosley. The High Level Group produced recommendations in December 2005, which led to a communication of the European Commission in February 2007, stating their actions in the coming years. A Mid-term Review in 2008 has considered the actions already taken and assessed the need for future actions.

FIA’s strong consumer credentials are only part of the justification for FIA’s seat in this high level group. The organisation has over the past decades dedicated much effort to promoting high standards of vehicle safety and environmental protection.

With the move towards new power trains and business models, the automotive industry will still need to deliver convincing products in a reliable framework that corresponds to consumer expectations and needs.  The competitive edge of the European automotive industry lies in high quality and innovation corresponding to the world highest standards in terms of energy efficiency, road safety and environmental friendliness. These standards should not be eroded in the name of competition.  Indeed, eSafety technologies continue to be a source of competitive edge for European car makers: eCall, lane departure warning devices etc all add to the safety of the driving experience for the user.

The global expansion of car ownership makes reduction of emissions and CO2, improved fuel efficiency and less dependence on fossil fuels essential. In order to enhance the market for innovative fuel and motor technologies, the FIA stresses the need for better consumer information. The market penetration will only be possible if consumers understand new technologies, their effects on the environment and their real costs. This should also be accompanied by the putting in place of the necessary infrastructure needed for refuelling.

Research into bringing the costs of the new technologies down such that they compare attractively with existing power trains is the major challenge currently. FIA club surveys show that while many members are willing to consider electric vehicles, they are not prepared to pay more for them.

Access to technical information needed for repair and maintenance is also essential. There is no point in developing a regulatory framework to push the demand for and the purchase of ever cleaner vehicles with new power trains if consumers then have difficulty in maintaining and repairing them.

President Todt together with FIA experts will be busy over the next two years working on this initiative.

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the world’s leading motoring and touring organisation, represents via its affiliated members, national motoring and touring organisations over 35 million motorists in the European Union. Europe’s motoring and touring organisations have as their highest priority making mobility more sustainable, i.e. more reliable, cleaner and safer while keeping it affordable for all.