Month: June 2022

Launch of the Automotive Regions Alliance strengthens industrial ecosystems

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  • Under the EU Committee of the Regions (CoR), the Automotive Regions Alliance (ARA) has been created to support a fair and successful mobility transition for regions along the entire value chain, guaranteeing that no region is left behind.
  • The Automotive Skills Alliance (ASA), of which CLEPA, ACEA, CECRA and ETRMA are founding members, is a key initiative in support of the sector transformation through identifying needs for a skilled workforce and facilitating the regional implementation in close cooperation with industry, academia and regions.
  • The automotive sector welcomes the initiative by the European CoR to establish the ARA and proposes a strategic partnership between the ASA and ARA, given the synergies and shared goals to facilitate the green and digital sector transformation.

in CLEPA, 30-06-2022

A new Automotive Regions Alliance launched on 30 June under the flag of the European Committee of the Regions, putting important institutional weight behind a fair and successful mobility transition for regions along the entire value chain, guaranteeing that no region is left behind.

The Alliance aims to bring together regions with strong automotive and supply industries that want to play an active role in the decarbonisation of the transport sector and contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal, while strengthening regional industrial ecosystems and value creation, as well as ensuring economic and social cohesion in every European territory impacted by the transition. The ARA launched during the June Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions, in the presence of Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights.

The automotive sector welcomes the initiative and looks forward to strengthening the link between the Automotive Regions Alliance and the Automotive Skills Alliance, the sectorial initiative under the Pact for Skills that supports the upskilling and reskilling of the automotive workforce to facilitate the green and digital transformation.

CLEPA Secretary General Sigrid de Vries, also representing the Automotive Skills Alliance and the broader value chain, noted in her speech, “The automotive industry is one of the most important industrial sectors in Europe, and fully endorses the Green Deal objectives. The automotive regions have a crucial role in making the transformation a success: they bring the local knowledge and network to ensure the transition is green, as well as just and resilient.

The green and digital transformation, and the speed of such a transition, represents significant challenges for all of us along the supply chain. The transformation requires dialogue, co-creation, and a dedicated funding mechanism and platform to discuss and implement the transition pathway. It is important we bring the pledge to life that nobody is left behind. Our workers are an essential asset not only for industry, but for Europe.”

The Automotive Skills Alliance counts more than 90 partners including automotive industry, social partners, academia but also regions. The collaboration between the two alliances should support the different initiatives that are being developed in the automotive regions, while coordinating the transformation of the workforce through the whole value chain.

The Council vote on CO2 standards puts high responsibility on policymakers to support the transition – Statement from CLEPA’s Secretary General Sigrid de Vries

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The Environment and Climate ministers of the 27 Members State met yesterday to deliberate on the Council of the European Union’s general approach on CO2 emission standards for cars and vans.

in CLEPA, 29-06-2022

After negotiations that lasted late into the night, ministers adopted a position which in essence confirms the European Commission’s proposal, including a 100% CO2 emission reduction target in 2035, which is a de facto ban on the internal combustion engine. Council calls for a review of the legislation in 2026, based on an assessment of progress against the reduction targets, technological developments, including plug-in hybrids and the importance of a just transition. The Commission is asked to make a proposal for registering vehicles after 2035 running exclusively on CO2-neutral fuels.

Regarding the outcome of the Council meeting, CLEPA’s Secretary General Sigrid de Vries states:

“We take note of the decision which confirms in principle the de facto ban on the internal combustion engine as of 2035 but does not fully close the door to considering emission reduction using renewable fuels. We have long argued in favour of a technology open approach, with a smart and sensible technology mix of electric vehicles and a measured use of alternative solutions involving advanced internal combustion engine technology.

We are glad to see support from Council for vehicles running on renewable fuels. Whereas we will see a vast deployment of electric vehicles, there are practical, ready to use solutions available for hybrid vehicles, as well as for the existing cars, vans and trucks on the road, which so far have not found sufficient political support. We are looking forward to continuing the dialogue with the European Commission. We had hoped for a clearer decision against banning technology to avoid damage to the existing industrial fabric and to make progress towards an effective and efficient policy for climate neutral mobility.”

With the position agreed by the Council, negotiations with the European Parliament can start. Given the proximity of the mutual positions, these negotiations should not take long.

Looking ahead, Sigrid de Vries comments:

“The decision confirms the trajectory for a substantial transformation of the transport sector at a very high pace. Automotive suppliers are and will continue to do everything they can to make this a success for climate, workers, users of transport and business. However, this decision puts a high responsibility on policymakers to support the transition. We are concerned about the lack of commitment when it comes to the deployment of charging and refuelling infrastructure as well as the capacity for producing renewable electricity and renewable fuels. Going forward, criteria such as affordability, access to raw materials, emissions along the life cycle and employment in the sector need to be considered. The ambitious electrification targets can only be met if the framework conditions are in place.”

 

 

CLEPA and CECRA send urgent call to EU governments on the importance of technology open CO2 standards for climate protection and mobility

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Ahead of the Council decision on CO2 emission reduction from cars and vans on 28 June, the European organisations CLEPA—representing automotive suppliers, and CECRA—the voice of dealers and repairers, have sent a letter to EU national governments raising the urgency for a CO2 legislation that balances the needs of climate protection with the industrial, social and geopolitical realities that the sector is facing.

in CLEPA & CECRA, 21-06-2022

In this letter, the organisations express their support for rapid electrification, but warn about the need to make the transition manageable, considering the challenges that an all-electric mandate for all new vehicles by 2035 mean would mean.

The signatories emphasise that moving towards a well-to-wheel or life-cycle approach that considers the positive contribution sustainable renewable fuels can make to climate protection would be vastly superior, for industry, society, and the climate, compared to a tailpipe logic. It would also support the necessary ramp-up of low- and zero carbon fuels to decarbonise the existing fleet.

As a minimum, supporting other proposals made in the Council could keep the window of opportunity open for low-emission technologies, notably by accompanying the 2035 target with a provision for the best performing low-emission technologies at least until 2039 and to consider the intrinsic differences of cars and vans in a differentiated target for these vehicle types.

 

DOWNLOAD FULL LETTER

 

Benjamin Krieger to become CLEPA’s Secretary General as of September 2022

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  • CLEPA members firmly opt for strength and continuity to navigate challenging times for the sector
  • Mr Krieger brings over 15 years of experience in EU affairs, the last four as CLEPA Head of Government Affairs

in CLEPA, 10-06-2022

CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, has appointed Mr Benjamin Krieger as new Secretary General as of 1 September 2022, succeeding Ms Sigrid de Vries. Mr Krieger, a German national, has been CLEPA’s Head of Government Affairs since 2018, and worked in various positions in Brussels since 2007.

Speaking at the CLEPA General Assembly, held in Brussels on 9 June, Mr Thorsten Muschal, CLEPA President and EVP Sales & Program Management at Forvia Group said, “Since his first days at CLEPA, Benjamin Krieger has shown strong leadership and profound understanding of European policies, as well as of complex technical and political aspects shaping the daily reality of global automotive supply chains. Benjamin has worked closely with Sigrid and the association members on strategic matters, and proven extraordinary capacity to anticipate and react to industry needs. With this appointment, the CLEPA membership firmly opts for strength and continuity to navigate the highly challenging times for our sector. I’m convinced Benjamin will further strengthen the voice of the organisation.”

Benjamin Krieger adds, “I am very much looking forward to take on this new challenge, working together with the CLEPA team and the membership to promote the interests of this important industry for Europe.  The mobility transition represents both a huge challenge and opportunity, which CLEPA will continue to help shape with a solutions-oriented approach. I warmly thank Sigrid de Vries for her leadership and am confident we will continue to collaborate also in the future.”

As reported on 1 June, Ms de Vries will leave CLEPA on 31 August to become Director General of ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association in Brussels. She adds, “I wish Benjamin and all the team success in this new chapter. CLEPA is well positioned with strong competence and culture in the secretariat, and highly engaged members. We’ll now work on a smooth transition over the next few months.”

Benjamin Krieger has led the government affairs team of CLEPA for over four years, focusing on carbon and pollutant emissions standards, the wider sustainability agenda, digitalisation of mobility, international trade, and competitiveness. Originally from Germany, Mr Krieger has been working in the EU policy sphere for 15 years, with stations as Head of Office and Press Spokesperson for a delegation of MEPs in the European Parliament and advising businesses and associations as a consultant for strategic political communication.

 

CLEPA General Assembly 2022: CLEPA consolidates its role as proactive voice representing automotive suppliers

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After two years of online meetings, CLEPA held an in-person General Assembly meeting in Brussels, welcoming more than 60 participants, representing 12 national associations and around 45 corporate and associate members.

in CLEPA, 10-06-2022

The meeting was opened by CLEPA President, Thorsten Muschal, who highlighted that “Automotive suppliers have spent the last two years proactively responding to supply chain disruptions and chip shortages caused by the impact of COVID-19. The current inflation period with massively increased costs, especially for energy, transport and materials, is intensifying an already stressed supply chain. However, we are a resilient industry and always find a way to transform and adapt to changing circumstances, but the current pressures we are facing are unprecedented”. He also confirmed the role that CLEPA has, as an authoritative voice, representing the automotive supplier community and providing value for its members.

A good part of the meeting was dedicated to two key topics affecting the sector. The ongoing discussion on climate regulation was at the centre of CLEPA policy work, specifically, the “Fit for 55” package including the legislative proposal for CO2 standards for cars and vans, where CLEPA calls for a mixed technology policy framework that supports innovation and provides flexibility.

Further, the ongoing issues on the supply chain disruptions that are still affecting the sector were highlighted. These challenges require a full commitment to collaboration and a flexible regulatory framework that facilitates investment and supports the ongoing transition.

The General Assembly also confirmed new and re-elected members of the CLEPA Board, and thirteen new members, as listed below.

New corporate members:

  • ARaymond – Software for automotive fastening systems
  • Arriver – Software brand, sensor perception and drive policy
  • BASF – innovative chemical solutions for sustainable mobility
  • Bosal – Powertrain, Chassis, Energy conversion
  • Euro Group Laminations – Production and distribution of melded parts and assemblies
  • Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst – Electronic control units, electronic steering locks
  • Gentex – Vision systems, sensors in-vehicle connectivity products
  • Lear – Seating and E-Systems
  • smart eye – Driver monitoring system
  • Tobii – Eye-tracking, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced signal processing
  • Vitesco Technologies – Powertrain technologies

New associate members:

  • OBRIST ?– Automotive powertrain systems, thermal management?
  • WayRay? – Application of holography to head-up displays?

 

The meeting was followed by an extensive programme including a cocktail reception, and specific sessions for members on Research & Innovation policy, data spaces and technical regulations.

100% CO2 target discards technology options and puts jobs at risk – Statement from CLEPA’s Secretary General Sigrid de Vries

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Today, a majority of the Members of the European Parliament approved the 100% target for the reduction of CO2 emission standards for new passenger cars and light-duty vehicles in 2035, as proposed by the Commission last July as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package.

in CLEPA, 08-06-2022

On the outcome of the vote, CLEPA’s Secretary General Sigrid de Vries states:

“The transition to climate neutral mobility is well underway in our industry, but the challenges to society and the economy should not be underestimated. The targets proposed by the European Commission risk half a million auto supplier jobs in the powertrain domain until 2040.

Suppliers promote rapid electrification as well as the use of other effective options. A 100% target measured at the tailpipe is a de facto ban on the internal combustion engine, discarding years of European innovation in a technology that can be climate-neutral and is needed for a manageable and efficient transition.”

She goes on to say: “We are picking technology winners and excluding hybrid technology and sustainable renewable fuels, which are climate neutral, can be used with existing infrastructure and can also address the emissions from the existing car park. This risks making the mobility transition unnecessary challenging and even impossible for some SMEs and niche suppliers. It is good to see, however, that the EP calls for clearer criteria for the envisaged mid-term review and asks the Commission to propose a methodology to measure emissions along the life-cycle.”

With this vote, we risk a considerable relocation of the automotive industry. It’s important to note that the only region implementing a ban on technology is the EU. It means limiting consumer choice, stifling innovation and losing our competitive edge. Diversification is key to strategic autonomy, decreasing dependencies on any one technology, energy, fuel or region. Europe holds less than 1% of the global reserves of the critical materials for batteries lithium, nickel, cobalt, natural graphite, manganese. [1]

Now the debate will move to the Council of the European Union, where it will be up to the Member States to decide whether or not to confirm the proposals of the European Commission and Parliament.

 

 

[1] JRC Report: RMIS – Raw materials in the battery value chain