Europe’s automotive industry is at a crossroads. Suppliers create 75% of a vehicle’s value and provide 1.7 million jobs, but rising costs, fragmented regulation and global competition are undermining Europe’s industrial base.
CLEPA, the European association of automotive suppliers, has released a new position paper calling for urgent action to safeguard EU value creation, jobs and innovation, and to keep Europe a global leader in mobility.
The paper outlines key policy recommendations to protect jobs and the European automotive ecosystem: from technology openness and enabling conditions for e-mobility and alternative fuels, to local content policies, trade and investment strategies, and support for green and digital transitions. Without swift action, Europe risks losing critical manufacturing capacities and know-how, putting climate goals and competitiveness at stake.
Europe is in a decisive battle for its industrial sovereignty. Suppliers are ready to invest and innovate, but not on an uneven playing field. Competitive electricity prices, lower regulatory burdens, and policies to secure EU know-how and local content are vital to attract manufacturing, R&D and investment.
Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General at CLEPA
