Categoria: CLEPA

CLEPA – European Association of Automotive Suppliers

CLEPA President Matthias Zink | Outlook 2026

adminafia Deixe um comentário

Europe’s hour of truth: Turning dialogue into delivery for automotive suppliers

in CLEPA, by Matthias Zink, 14-01-2026

Ladies and Gentlemen,

First, let me take the time to wish all of you a?happy new year!?I hope you all had the opportunity to?relax,?recharge, and reflect over the festive days. The year-end-rally of 2025 was a tough one, but it ended?with the EU Commission’s announcement of the Automotive Package. Before we go into details, I want to thank all of you for your hard work, valuable?contributions?and passionate support of CLEPA to make this possible.?There has been?significant progress?achieved since last year, a time when there was no clear perspective. The flexibilities we have now secured are?largely the?result of effective collaboration between?CLEPA?and ACEA and policy makers. Nonetheless, this marks only the beginning of the journey, as the complexities lie in the details. Moving forward into 2026,?which marks the beginning of my second term as CLEPA President,?it will be essential to?build on this?momentum?to ensure that the?implementation of the?proposals?is?pragmatic and flexible.

“Moving forward into 2026, it will be essential to build on this momentum to ensure that the implementation of the proposals is pragmatic and flexible.”

Let’s?reflect a little bit about the year that lies behind us.?Overall,?2025 was a year of strain for Europe’s automotive supply industry: Global competition intensified, leading to production shifting elsewhere. Volumes remained depressed.?On the other side, political attention reached new levels.?Throughout the year, we held constructive exchanges with several Commissioners and President von der Leyen within the Strategic Dialogue.

We also welcomed Commissioner?Tzitzikostas at the CLEPA Innovation Awards, and?met with several CLEPA national associations to better understand realities on the ground across Europe.?As you know, these meetings are most important to me and I will continue to drive the exchange between national?peers?and CLEPA. And just before?the?Christmas break, the year of discussions ended with the Automotive package: By replacing an outright ban with a 90?percent?CO2 reduction target, the European Commission is making a first step towards a more effective path to decarbonisation. But clearly, we need to go further on the way to making the rules flexible enough to adjust to market reality.?This would also allow?the EU to?reclaim?economic?sovereignty, closer to the pragmatic model China has embraced, as I recently discussed with the?Financial Times. If it does so, Europe is choosing to continue innovating, producing, and employing, without?undermining?the climate emergency.

“Safeguarding this industry is not an economic convenience, it is self-preservation.”

The political development?is?encouraging, but?the economic?reality is sobering:?Latest CLEPA figures show that automotive suppliers announced?nearly 50,000?job losses in 2025. This is 100,000 job cuts announced since the beginning of 2024.?Europe must also confront geopolitical vulnerabilities. As I recently discussed with?Bloomberg?in the context of the?Nexperia?case, an exposed supply chain is not just an economic risk, it is a strategic one.?In addition,?persistently low profitability is pushing the industry onto a dangerous path. Without decisive measures, parts manufacturing in Europe risks disappearing, as companies are forced to?relocate?or shut down, taking jobs and?expertise?with them. If left unaddressed, this could reduce value creation in car parts by 23?percent?and put 350,000 jobs at risk by 2030?as a Roland Berger study shows.

For Europe to remain attractive as an industrial location,?lower electricity costs, less red tape, and better access to finance?are crucial. With the Automotive Package acknowledging all powertrain technologies after 2035, the?EU?Commission appears to be moving toward a balanced transition combining climate goals with economic and social realities. But achieving the 90?percent?reduction target will require heavy investments and a robust industrial strategy, from low-carbon steel to alternative fuels.?To make this a success and boost investment, we need measures guided by flexibility and pragmatism.

Looking ahead to 2026, our priorities are clear: flexibility and openness across technologies, safeguarding the EU manufacturing base from unfair competition, supporting the Utility Factor and real technology openness in the CO? Regulation, and reducing red tape while lowering energy costs.?EU sovereignty is increasingly important — and sovereignty without a strong parts manufacturing base is but a dream. Safeguarding this industry is not an economic convenience, it is self-preservation.?Therefore,?CLEPA will remain fully engaged. From our dedicated Brussels team, we will continue to support decision-makers and advocate for smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility in Europe.

Yours sincerely,

Matthias Zink

CLEPA President and CEO Powertrain & Chassis, Schaeffler

Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis at Schaeffler, is starting his second mandate as CLEPA President.

CLEPA PRESS RELEASE | EU Automotive Package advances debate – yet leaves critical industry issues unresolved

adminafia Deixe um comentário

The European Commission’s newly announced Automotive Package makes a first positive step towards technology neutrality. But overall, the suggested measures are too complex, do not do enough to address the crisis of the automotive sector and fail to safeguard European production and jobs against international competition. Critical concerns raised by the automotive supply industry remain unresolved.

in CLEPA, 16-12-2025

The package opens possibilities for plug-in hybrids, range extenders, and ICE vehicles to remain part of the automotive landscape beyond 2035. It adjusts the climate target from full CO? neutrality to 90% by the same year. The remaining 10% is only flexible if it is offset through low?carbon steel, e?fuels or biofuels. This represents a constructive step forward and is in line with the EU’s climate goals – but it is also a complex and potentially costly solution.

The reduced target constrains market actors and limits the flexibility that many automotive suppliers require. In practice, only a small subset of companies will benefit from the additional leeway. Moreover, the “Made in EU” provisions in the CO2 Regulation revision apply exclusively to small zero?emission vehicles, meaning their overall impact will remain limited and is not fit to ensure that production stays in Europe – a key interest for several EU member states.

“Today’s package reconfirms Europe’s long-term climate ambition for road transport but with its wealth of detailed obligations it risks creating complexity, additional cost and falls short of setting out the path for a realistic transformation,” said Benjamin Krieger, CLEPA’s Secretary General. “While ambitious fleet targets and local content policies reflect a strong desire to accelerate electrification and bolster resilience, such measures lose their effectiveness without clear, technology?neutral pathways. Instead of fostering competitiveness, they risk narrowing opportunities, undermining Europe’s ability to lead in the global automotive race.”

CLEPA awaits further clarity in the upcoming Industrial Accelerator Act, planned for January 2026, while urging the Commission to consider key concerns raised by automotive suppliers.

Europe’s automotive supply chain faces mounting pressure from global competition, and CLEPA calls for robust local content policies to safeguard jobs and investment. Without action, up to 650,000 jobs could be at risk by 2035 from supply chain-offshoring. We urge the Commission to align climate rules with industrial safeguards, ensuring Europe remains a leader in sustainable mobility while protecting its manufacturing base.

In parallel, a technology-neutral framework that fully recognises the role of electrification, hybrids, and renewable fuels in achieving climate neutrality is essential for ensuring CO? emission standards that help meet our environmental goals without undermining competitiveness or consumer choice.

CLEPA welcomes incentives to accelerate the uptake of zero-emission vehicles in corporate fleets, while we caution against rigid mandates that could undermine industrial competitiveness. Limiting European local content to vehicles benefiting from public financial support is again reducing the impact of this measure.

We had hoped to see more from the European Commission, considering the noticable support in European Parliament and the Council for a bolder approach. We look forward to continuing the dialogue, mapping the solutions that help safeguard jobs and competitiveness in the automotive sector. Climate ambition must be balanced with industrial resilience, securing Europe’s role in sustainable mobility.

CLEPA | Letter to Commission: keep EU industry strong with flexible climate rules and local content

adminafia Deixe um comentário

CLEPA has issued a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for urgent measures to restore Europe’s competitiveness in the automotive sector.

in CLEPA, 10-12-2025

In the letter, CLEPA highlights the critical role suppliers play, generating 75% of a vehicle’s value, employing 1.7 million people, and investing €30 billion annually in R&D. The association warns that without decisive action, Europe could lose up to 650,000 jobs by 2035.

CLEPA’s recommendations include:

  • Ensuring reliable and affordable energy
  • Accelerating permitting and streamlining regulation
  • Expanding funding instruments for critical technologies
  • Introducing local content provisions to strengthen EU-based production

The letter also stresses the need for policy flexibility to meet 2030 and 2035 CO? reduction targets, advocating a technology-open approach that includes plug-in hybrids, range-extended EVs, and renewable-fuel vehicles alongside full electrification.

CLEPA argues that targeted local content requirements would stabilise investment, prevent further delocalisation, and protect highly skilled jobs, while supporting Europe’s industrial and climate objectives.

.

Download PDF

.

.

Fornecedores da Indústria Automóvel Europeia Alertam que Défice de Competitividade Ameaça a Base Industrial do Setor

adminafia Deixe um comentário

A AFIA – Associação de Fabricantes para a Indústria Automóvel, enquanto membro da CLEPA – Associação Europeia de Fornecedores da Indústria Automóvel, associa se ao alerta lançado hoje pela organização europeia, sublinhando a importância de reforçar, de forma coordenada, as condições de competitividade da indústria de componentes na Europa, incluindo em Portugal.

in AFIA / CLEPA, 27-11-2025

O objetivo é chamar a atenção da Comissão Europeia e dos governantes para a necessidade de ajustamentos de enquadramento que permitam às empresas manter a trajetória de investimento, inovação e criação de emprego.

Os fornecedores europeus de componentes para a indústria automóvel continuam a desempenhar um papel determinante nas cadeias de valor globais, mas enfrentam hoje desafios acrescidos. A pressão sobre a rentabilidade, alguns movimentos de ajustamento de capacidade produtiva e uma concorrência internacional cada vez mais intensa – em particular da China – estão a condicionar a capacidade do setor para concretizar plenamente o seu potencial de investimento e de inovação.

De acordo com a mais recente edição do CLEPA Pulse Check, um inquérito semestral de confiança empresarial, os resultados apontam para desafios estruturais de competitividade que exigem uma resposta europeia concertada.

Benjamin Krieger, secretário geral da CLEPA, que representa os fornecedores europeus e associações empresariais continua a afirmar que “a União Europeia continua a ser uma localização atrativa para investir e produzir”. Mas é essencial “reforçar essa atratividade através da redução dos custos de eletricidade, da simplificação administrativa e da melhoria das condições de financiamento. Em paralelo, políticas de conteúdo local podem ajudar a garantir que o conhecimento crítico permanece na Europa. Um enquadramento regulatório flexível e neutro do ponto de vista tecnológico irá estimular a inovação e acelerar a descarbonização do transporte rodoviário. Em conjunto, estas medidas permitirão assegurar uma transição bem-sucedida e manter o setor automóvel europeu numa trajetória de crescimento sustentável”, acrescenta.

José Couto, presidente da AFIA e membro da direção da CLEPA, reafirma aquilo que foi dito no 12º encontro da AFIA, que decorreu em Vila Nova de Gaia no início de novembro, e que confirmava que “os sinais vindos deste inquérito são particularmente relevantes para Portugal, cuja base industrial automóvel é altamente integrada nas cadeias de valor europeias. Os fornecedores portugueses de componentes têm vindo a investir de forma consistente em inovação, na qualificação dos recursos humanos e em projetos de descarbonização, o que explica o forte desempenho exportador do setor”. José Couto, sublinha ainda que “para preservar e reforçar estes resultados, é fundamental dispor de um quadro europeu que não penalize o custo da energia, que assegure regras equilibradas de concorrência internacional e que incentive a inovação. Sem uma resposta coordenada a nível europeu, corremos o risco de ver gradualmente condicionadas capacidades produtivas e tecnológicas construídas ao longo de décadas, com impactos sobre o emprego qualificado e sobre a competitividade das exportações nacionais.”

Rentabilidade sob pressão, mas com foco no investimento

O inquérito CLEPA Pulse Check indica que a maioria dos fornecedores trabalha hoje com margens de lucro abaixo dos 5%, patamar considerado apenas suficiente para sustentar, com conforto, os investimentos necessários em tecnologia, qualificações e capacidade produtiva, o que pode limitar projetos futuros de expansão, de investigação e de desenvolvimento.
Esta situação de pressão sobre as margens poderá prolongar-se até 2026, caso não sejam adotadas medidas adicionais de apoio à competitividade. Esta perspetiva reforça a urgência de criar condições que permitam às empresas manter os investimentos que estão na base da transição verde e digital da mobilidade.

Europa Ocidental: necessidade de preservar a pegada produtiva

O aumento dos custos e o abrandamento do crescimento da procura têm levado várias empresas a reavaliar a distribuição geográfica da sua capacidade produtiva.

Além disso, uma proporção significativa dos fornecedores admite ajustar, nos próximos cinco anos, a capacidade instalada na Europa Ocidental, ao mesmo tempo que identifica oportunidades de crescimento noutras regiões.

Para a CLEPA e a AFIA, este contexto reforça a necessidade de a Europa melhorar as suas condições de atratividade, assegurando um ambiente de negócios previsível, competitivo e favorável ao investimento de longo prazo.

A competitividade surge hoje como o principal desafio estratégico para 86% dos fornecedores, uma subida de 14 pontos percentuais face ao último inquérito realizado na primavera. A desaceleração da procura em alguns segmentos e a adoção mais rápida de novas tecnologias em determinados mercados concorrentes estão a intensificar a pressão sobre a base industrial europeia, tornando ainda mais urgente a implementação de políticas de apoio ao investimento, à inovação e à transição energética.

Concorrência da China e necessidade de condições equilibradas

A concorrência dos fornecedores chineses tem vindo a ganhar expressão na Europa, beneficiando de vantagens de custo, de apoios significativos e de uma base industrial interna robusta. Atualmente, cerca de 69% dos fornecedores europeus referem já enfrentar concorrência relevante de importações provenientes da China, uma subida de 12 pontos percentuais face ao inquérito da primavera. Três em cada quatro empresas esperam que esta pressão competitiva continue a crescer.

Assim, este contexto não deve ser encarado apenas como uma ameaça, mas como um incentivo adicional para reforçar a capacidade de inovação e de diferenciação tecnológica da indústria europeia. Ao mesmo tempo, é essencial garantir condições de concorrência equilibradas a nível global, assegurando que as regras comerciais, ambientais e sociais são aplicadas de forma justa entre regiões.

A nota hoje divulgada pela CLEPA, e a qual conta com o apoio da AFIA, pretende contribuir para o debate europeu sobre o futuro da indústria automóvel, num momento em que decorre uma transformação profunda da mobilidade. Com as políticas certas, os fornecedores de componentes na Europa – e em particular em Portugal – têm todas as condições para continuar a ser um motor de investimento, emprego qualificado e exportações.

SOBRE A AFIA

  • A AFIA – Associação de Fabricantes para a Indústria Automóvel é a associação portuguesa que congrega e representa, nacional e internacionalmente, os fornecedores de componentes para a indústria automóvel.
  • A indústria de componentes para automóveis em Portugal agrega cerca de 360 empresas e emprega diretamente 63.000 pessoas. Fatura 14,4 mil milhões de Euros (ano 2024), com uma quota de exportação direta na ordem dos 85%.
  • Em termos de importância na economia nacional, representa 5,0% do PIB, 8,7% do emprego da indústria transformadora, 11,7% do valor acrescentado bruto da indústria transformadora, 13,7% do investimento total da indústria transformadora e 15,4% das exportações nacionais de bens transacionáveis.

SOBRE A CLEPA

  • A CLEPA, Associação Europeia de Fornecedores da Indústria Automóvel, sediada em Bruxelas, representa mais de 3.000 empresas – desde multinacionais a PME – que fornecem componentes de última geração e tecnologia inovadora para uma mobilidade segura, inteligente e sustentável, investindo anualmente mais de 30 mil milhões de euros em investigação e desenvolvimento. Os fornecedores automóveis na Europa empregam diretamente 1,7 milhões de pessoas na UE.

.

.

AFIA subscreve declaração europeia que defende a integração dos combustíveis renováveis na regulamentação de CO2 para veículos ligeiros de passageiros e comerciais

adminafia Deixe um comentário

A AFIA é uma das entidades signatárias de uma Declaração Conjunta, que apela à integração dos combustíveis renováveis na revisão da regulamentação de CO2 para automóveis de passageiros e veículos comerciais ligeiros. O documento reúne 30 organizações europeias comprometidas com os objetivos do Acordo de Paris e com a meta da neutralidade carbónica até 2050, defendendo uma transição tecnológica aberta, inovadora e economicamente equilibrada.

.

 

Download the Joint Statement

.

in AFIA, 20-11-2025

.

 

 

CLEPA Innovation Awards spotlight breakthrough automotive tech at crucial moment for European mobility transformation

adminafia Deixe um comentário
  • CLEPA convened industry and policymakers as Europe’s automotive industry faces a pivotal moment, with global competition, market uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and strict EU regulations challenging suppliers.
  • Ahead of the Commission’s ‘Automotive Package’ on 10 December, CLEPA President Matthias Zink emphasised embracing diverse technologies and creating conditions for stronger growth, in an event attended by 200+ participants from the European institutions, industry, and academia.

in CLEPA, 19-11-2025

The tenth edition of the CLEPA Innovation Awards highlighted cutting-edge digital and green technologies from across Europe’s automotive supply base. Twelve Top Innovators were awarded for their contributions, and the programme featured discussions with senior EU policymakers on the direction of future mobility.

The event began with a keynote address by Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, who welcomed the advances made in recent years by Europe’s automotive industry.

At the same time, automotive suppliers are facing rising challenges including disrupted supply chains and restrictive EU regulations. With the Commission’s unveiling of the ‘Automotive Package’ on 10 December, CLEPA President Matthias Zink emphasised the importance of embracing diverse technologies while fostering stronger growth for European businesses:

“Europe’s climate ambitions hinge on innovation – automotive suppliers are the driving force behind the green transition. To succeed, we must fully put technology neutrality intro practice. Industry needs the freedom to steer with the most effective technologies. This requires more than corporate investments into R&D, supply chains and production, it demands true collaboration with policymakers. Europe must match the industry’s drive with policies that unlock real progress and competitiveness”.

Mr Zink was joined for a panel discussion by Susana Solís Pérez, Member of the European Parliament (EPP, Spain) as well as Margriet Van Schijndel-de Nooij, Programme Director Responsible Mobility, Eindhoven University of Technology, and Elmar Pritsch, Partner, Software-defined Vehicle, Deloitte. CLEPA’s Secretary General Benjamin Krieger moderated the session, which explored key steps to enable innovation and ensure a resilient, forward-looking automotive ecosystem in Europe.

Explore this year’s top innovations, and other materials here.

Top Innovators 2025

Digital

  • AUMOVIO – Deviceless Access Concept
  • ZF – Software Brake Resistor for Commercial BEVs
  • FORVIA HELLA – FlatLight
  • Murata Electronics Europe – UltraSonic Clearing Device
  • PlaxidityX – vDome
  • STRADVISION – AI 3D Perception Network

Green

  • ORANO PROJETS – HIPERMAG
  • THE REMAKERS – Remanufacturing of Power Electronics for EVs
  • MANN+HUMMEL – MANN FILTER: Naturally Better
  • MATERI’ACT – FORVIA – Breakthrough Compound for End-of-Life Vehicles
  • Dukosi – Contactless Cell Monitoring System DKCMS
  • WeavInsight – PulseCharge

Automotive industry urges one-year delay to EU Deforestation Regulation

adminafia Deixe um comentário

CLEPA, ACEA, and VDA are urging the European Commission to delay the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by one year, citing legal uncertainty and operational challenges for automotive manufacturers. The current proposal, while aiming to simplify compliance, introduces complex amendments and an unreliable grace period, forcing companies to prepare for two regulatory frameworks simultaneously – an impractical task for global supply chains.

in CLEPA, 12-11-2025

We also highlight unresolved issues in the proposal, including burdensome requirements like generating thousands of identifiers per order. We call for clearer guidance, legal clarifications, and cost-reducing measures such as exemptions for prototypes and a “de minimis” threshold. A one-year postponement is essential to ensure realistic compliance and effective implementation of the regulation’s environmental goals.

.

 

Download the Joint Statement

.

.

 

CLEPA POSITION PAPER | EU must act on rare earths to safeguard green and digital ambitions

adminafia Deixe um comentário

Supply chain disruptions are putting European car parts production and the green transition at risk. Recent export restrictions have exposed Europe’s dependence on external suppliers for permanent magnets and rare earth elements. These magnets are used throughout a vehicle: to start the engine, run the power steering, operate air conditioning and cooling systems, control braking, and support many other automated functions. CLEPA, the European association of automotive suppliers, has published a new position paper outlining urgent measures to secure industrial capacity, maintain competitiveness, and prevent future production stoppages.

“The supply chain challenges we face continue. With stockpiling virtually impossible, there is a continued risk of production stops in EU plants,” said CLEPA Secretary General Benjamin Krieger. “This is not just a temporary logistics issue – Europe’s full dependence on external suppliers poses a long-term structural risk that threatens EU competitiveness and undermines our ability to deliver on the green and digital transition.”

CLEPA’s position paper calls on the EU to adopt a cohesive and forward-looking strategy that addresses both direct and indirect dependencies across the critical raw materials value chain. Key recommendations include:

  • Create a competitive environment for raw materials projects
  • Implement short-term measures to prevent supply disruptions
  • Develop long-term European strategy for permanent magnets
  • Foster trade partnerships and strategic alliances
  • Advance coherent circularity strategies
  • De-risk indirect dependencies

CLEPA emphasises the need for alignment with the EU’s broader industrial and environmental policies, including the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation (ELVR), to ensure Europe’s automotive industry remains resilient, competitive, and sustainable.

 

 

CLEPA Position Paper

CLEPA endorses the Semiconductor Coalition declaration

adminafia Deixe um comentário

The declaration captures the scale of Europe’s challenges and sets out clear priorities for a strong semiconductor strategy

in CLEPA, 30-09-2025

CLEPA, together with 75 industry representatives, welcomes the Declaration of the Semiconductor Coalition Europe. The declaration captures the scale of Europe’s challenges and sets out clear priorities for a strong semiconductor strategy.

We reaffirm the goal of building prosperity, resilience and indispensability in the next Chips Act, and stress that strong political ownership and execution are essential to attract the investment needed for both foundational and leading-edge semiconductor production in Europe.

Key actions required:

  • Bold political leadership from the Commission and Member States to implement the Declaration.
  • Favourable business conditions, including regulatory simplification, incentives, faster permitting, reliable infrastructure, talent, secure raw materials, and fair trade.
  • A market-driven business case that connects European and global demand, fostering partnerships and investment.

 

Download PDF

CLEPA POSITION PAPER | Automotive suppliers demand measures to safeguard EU manufacturing

adminafia Deixe um comentário

The battle for Europe’s automotive future: suppliers demand measures to safeguard EU manufacturing

in CLEPA, 26-09-2025

Europe’s automotive industry is facing a pivotal moment. Suppliers generate 75% of a vehicle’s value and support 1.7 million jobs, yet rising costs, fragmented regulation, and global competition are threatening Europe’s industrial base. CLEPA, the European association of automotive suppliers, has just published a new position paper highlighting urgent measures to protect EU value creation, jobs, and innovation while ensuring the continent remains a global leader in mobility.

“Europe is in a decisive battle for its industrial sovereignty,” said Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General at CLEPA. “Suppliers are committed to invest and innovate, but they cannot do so on an uneven playing field. Maintaining a competitive and resilient automotive ecosystem in the EU will require urgent, market-driven action by industry and targeted policy measures, to strengthen Europe’s attractiveness as a location for manufacturing, R&D and investment. This includes addressing key location factors such as electricity prices and regulatory burden, while also considering policies to ensure EU local content in vehicles to retain know-how and production capacity.”

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.

European automotive suppliers call upon policymakers to:

  • Persistently prioritise the adoption and implementation of measures to shore up EU competitiveness to relevel the playing field for automotive suppliers;
  • Urgently adopt measures to safeguard industry and value-add in Europe against a distorted playing field and maintain critical EU capacities and know-how.
Download the CLEPA Position Paper

.

.