Category: Automotive Industry

News about Automotive Industry

Aktrion Portugal – New Facility in Northern Portugal for the Automotive Industry!

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We are excited to announce that Aktrion has recently opened a new facility in Braga, Northern Portugal, to support local automotive industry customers. Our services include visual inspection and rework, focusing on high-end plastic parts polishing.

The Braga facility is strategically located, just 100km from Vigo (to the North) and 115km from Aveiro (to the South). The automotive industry supply chain plays a key role in the economy of this Euroregion, and we are here to meet the needs of companies in the area.

Interested in learning more about how we can support your business? Email us at

 

pedro.silva@aktrion.com
https://www.aktrion.com/

in Aktrion Portugal, 15-10-2024

 

CLEPA and VDA publish code of conduct to address complexities of the automotive supply chain

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A unified approach to responsible business practices!

in CLEPA, 30-09-2024

The CLEPA/VDA Business partner code of conduct is a joint initiative with the common standards towards business ethics, working conditions, human rights, health and safety, environmental leadership and supply chain due diligence for business partners at all tiers. It is our expectation that this document will lead to increased harmonisation in the supply chain and reduce administrative burden on suppliers from redundancy of requirements.

Read the full Business Partner Code of Conduct, as well as the practical guidelines, below.

Download the Business Partner Code of Conduct

Download practical guidelines

CLEPA | CO2 regulation review needs to secure tech-neutrality over the long term

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The debate on the CO2 regulations for cars, vans and trucks is back on the agenda earlier than foreseen with prominent calls for a review already next year. It brings a critical issue to the forefront for Europe’s automotive sector: how to reach climate-neutrality while maintaining competitiveness. The relevance of this debate has been underscored by Mario Draghi’s report on EU competitiveness, which emphasises that the technology-neutrality principle “has not always been applied in the automotive industry”.

in CLEPA, by Benjamin Krieger, 26-09-2024

The automotive suppliers in Europe have long supported climate-neutrality. However, the current regulatory framework for reducing the climate impact of mobility seems to meet its limitations. The approach is too prescriptive in terms of technology, placing unnecessary restrictions on innovation, threatening both the industry’s economic competitiveness and its ability to meet environmental goals. We are already seeing the effects of economic strain on suppliers and manufacturers alike, with warnings of job cuts and sluggish electric vehicle sales.

CLEPA supports a substantial review of the regulations guided by the principle of technology-neutrality. Stricter targets set for next year create immediate pressure, while the 2035 ban on combustion engines, even in advanced hybrid configurations, is locked in by the 100% emissions reduction target. The pathway to achieving these targets must be reassessed to ensure technology-openness and to consider emissions over the life-cycle of the vehicle. The transition towards electrification needs to succeed but we will need all emission-reducing technologies to achieve our objectives.

Strengthening the course

Achieving climate targets does not require reversing course but demands a jointly supported position that ensures industrial strength, job protection, and market competitiveness. Alongside the review of the CO2 fleet regulation, we need to improve access to funding and de-risk investments in green and digital innovation, accelerate the rollout of charging and refuelling infrastructure, and ensure the development of a strong EV supply chain in Europe and access to raw materials. Equally crucial is improving the EU’s overall competitiveness by securing affordable energy supplies, reducing regulatory burdens, and ensuring access to key markets. We are looking forward to a more concrete exchange on the EU industrial action plan for the automotive sector, as mentioned in the Draghi report and mission letter for Commissioner-designate for transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

The green transition is interlinked with digitalisation, and a clear ruleset on access to a vehicle’s data is paramount for driving fair competition in the aftermarket and data-based services.

The road to climate-neutral and smarter mobility will be challenging, but with the right policy measures in place, it is possible to meet environmental, industrial, and social needs. The next step is clear: policy makers must take decisive action and engage with the industry to ensure a future that supports both sustainability and competitiveness, healthy volumes and industrial strength.

Benjamin Krieger

CLEPA Secretary General

CLEPA calls for a technology-neutral review of CO2 regulations

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In the context of the current debate on CO2 regulations for vehicles and their reviews, CLEPA comments as following:

We welcome the growing debate on CO2 regulations for new vehicles, as automotive suppliers are committed to climate neutrality in transport. We have long maintained that the pace of emission reductions required by the regulation is ambitious and, crucially, that the lack of technological neutrality within the regulations imposes restrictive limitations on the choice of viable technologies.

We support a substantial review of the regulations guided by the principle of technology neutrality, as recently advocated by Mario Draghi in his report. Stricter targets set for next year create immediate pressure, while the 2035 ban on combustion engines, even in advanced hybrid configurations, is locked in by the 100% emissions reduction target. The pathway to achieving these targets must be reassessed to ensure technology openness and emissions over the life-cycle of the vehicle, allow all emission-reducing technologies to complement electrification at the core without putting at risk the competitiveness of the industry.

This does not imply a reversal of direction, but rather underscores the need for strong political support to enable the successful market deployment of climate-neutral technologies. This includes de-risking investments, accelerating the rollout of charging and refueling infrastructure, and ensuring access to batteries and raw materials. Equally crucial is improving the EU’s overall competitiveness by securing affordable energy supplies, reducing regulatory burdens, and ensuring access to key markets.

Key for CLEPA is a regulatory approach that combines climate ambition with sufficient volumes and industrial strength, both in the short- and the long-term. We are eager to continue the dialogue and to find the best solutions for effective and efficient carbon emission reductions.

in CLEPA, 19-09-2024

CLEPA | Affordable mobility requires a robust regulatory framework for the automotive aftermarket

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A study conducted jointly with Berylls by Alix Partners, in collaboration with CLEPA and FIGIEFA, and launched at Automechanika, has examined two potential scenarios that could significantly impact the cost of vehicle service and maintenance for consumers.

in CLEPA, 10-09-2024

The study underscores the potential for rising repair costs as authorised dealerships gain greater dominance. This shift is driven by growing restrictions on independent repairers’ access to essential data, information, and spare parts. To prevent a significant increase in repair costs and to maintain affordable mobility, proper regulation is crucial.

The study, which analysed the competitiveness of the European automotive aftermarket up to 2035, considered the impact of new vehicle technologies, cybersecurity requirements, and the shift towards software defined vehicles. From expert interviews with key stakeholders, and Berylls’s own analysis, the study identifies five key factors that will shape the future of the aftermarket:

  1. Limited availability of certain car parts to only vehicle manufacturers
  2. The need for specific coding or activation for replacement parts
  3. Challenges in accessing technical information for repairs
  4. Outdated interfaces for software updates in independent repair shops
  5. Limited access to in-vehicle data

The cost of vehicle repair is rising

Replacing defective parts is a standard service in the aftermarket. However, CLEPA and FIGIEFA have observed an increasing number of parts that can only be sourced from vehicle manufacturers. These parts often require specific coding or activation, which can add significant costs to repairs. With new EU cybersecurity regulations in place since July 2024, the number of such parts is expected to rise, further increasing repair costs for consumers.

Moreover, access to technical information, which is legally required is often limited or provided in formats that are difficult to use. This increases costs and delays in repairs, making current legislation ineffective. For software updates, independent repairers are still forced to use outdated vehicle interfaces, rather than state-of-the-art interfaces based on ethernet protocols.

CLEPA’s Senior Consultant for Market Affairs, Frank Schlehuber, states: “To ensure that consumers retain the freedom to choose their vehicle service providers, robust legislation that addresses cybersecurity, information access, and parts availability is essential. This will help ensure affordable mobility for EU citizens.”

Potential market scenarios and their impact

The study examined data from seven countries, with a total market volume of €150.2 billion for parts and labour at workshop level. Under the baseline scenario of 0.7% annual market growth, this market is expected to grow by €161.9 billion by 2035. However, if vehicle manufacturers increase their dominance, experts predict that repair and maintenance costs could soar to €197.9 billion – an additional €35 billion per year for consumers in these countries. This would make affordable mobility increasingly inaccessible.

In a more balanced scenario, where fair competition is maintained, consumer spending on repairs and maintenance could be slightly reduced to €159.8 billion. This reduction would be particularly beneficial for the adoption of battery electric vehicles, ensuring that the shift to more sustainable mobility remains affordable.

The role of legislation

The ongoing development of vehicle technologies is strengthening the proprietary position of vehicle manufacturers, making it crucial for legislators to act. The extension and revision of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) beyond 2028 is paramount to ensure that all spare parts remain available to the independent repair market. Additionally, a smartly amended Type-Approval Regulation (TAR) that considers cybersecurity and ensures unrestricted access to repair and maintenance information can help reduce cost for consumers. Finally, regulations on the use of in-vehicle data and access to vehicle resources are needed to ensure consumers retain the freedom to choose where they obtain services.

 

Download the full study here

 

 

CLEPA | Driving Ambition to Action – Priorities for Sustainable and Smart Mobility in the EU

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Today, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) published its policy priorities for the legislative term 2024-29.

in CLEPA, 18-07-2024

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. 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.”

 

DOWNLOAD OUR WHITE PAPER

 

Find out more on our website

 

 

 

CLEPA

  • CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers based in Brussels, represents over 3,000 companies, from multi-nationals to SMEs, supplying state-of-the-art components and innovative technology for safe, smart and sustainable mobility, investing over €30 billion yearly in research and development. Automotive suppliers in Europe directly employ 1.7 million people in the EU.

 

 

CLEPA’s Materials Regulations and Sustainability Event 2024: A Landmark Gathering of Global Automotive Experts

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CLEPA, the European association representing the automotive supply industry, successfully concluded the 16th edition of its Materials Regulations and Sustainability event (MRSE), held on 27 & 28 June in Frankfurt. The event marked a significant milestone, attracting over 250 attendees from around the world, to discuss the latest advancements in material compliance and sustainability in the automotive industry.

in CLEPA, 03-07-2024

The two-day event featured keynote speeches from industry leaders, such as BMW and Forvia, and representatives from key initiatives including the Responsible Business Alliance and CSR Europe. In addition, several product manufacturers exhibited cutting-edge innovations, driving discourse on materials compliance and sustainability solutions in the sector.

“Automotive suppliers are driving sustainability and innovation in Europe, investing billions in clean technologies.” said Benjamin Krieger, CLEPA’s Secretary General during his opening remarks, “But to keep this momentum, we need smart regulations that balance safety and innovation. We are calling on policymakers to focus on practical implementation and recognise that progress often comes step by step. With the right framework, we can innovate, compete globally, and achieve our shared goal of a climate-neutral future.”

PFAS Regulation: A balanced approach needed

The event kicked-off with a critical session on PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), used in various automotive applications. Daniel Kruff from Continental highlighted the collaborative efforts of CLEPA and ACEA, the European vehicle manufacturers’ association, on a new PFAS restriction proposal. He emphasised the necessity of identifying and testing alternative materials that meet safety and performance standards without compromising quality. PFAS are still largely indispensable for the green transition, and identifying suitable substitutes requires substantial investment and sufficient lead time. Instead of sweeping bans, CLEPA and ACEA call for smart regulation that balances safety with the potential for innovation.

End-of-Life Vehicles: Paving the way for automotive circularity

During the session titled ‘ELV – The Future of Automotive Circularity,’ Jaco Huisman from DG Environment and Elena Spoeri from ZF discussed the significance of the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation for the circular economy in the automotive sector. The regulation introduces a new definition of remanufacturing that aims to ensure that parts fit for reuse and remanufacturing are not wasted. However, Stefan Hillstroem from BMW cautioned against excessive red tape, suggesting that EU regulations should concentrate on overarching targets like CO2 abatement, supported by a harmonised global carbon accounting framework. The automotive industry remains committed to increasing the use of sustainable materials, while also considering aspects of economic and technical feasibility.

Global perspectives and legislative updates

The first day concluded with insights on legislative developments from speakers across four regions – Japan, North America, India and China. European regulations are significantly impacting businesses worldwide, and CLEPA continues to prioritise bringing together stakeholders from various automotive regions to enhance international dialogue and cooperation and global harmonisation.

To reinforce this effort, CLEPA hosted a meeting of the Suppliers Alliance the day before the MRSE, bringing together CLEPA, JAPIA and AIAG to discuss upcoming developments on IMDS and sustainability issues, such as PFAS and Automotive Product Carbon footprint.

Corporate Sustainability and global supply chains

On the second day, Pedro Grossinho from Joyson Safety Systems and Chair of CLEPA’s Sustainability & CSR sub-expert group, moderated four sessions bringing together representatives from RSCI, RBA and CSR Europe to discuss corporate sustainability in the automotive sector.

Ensuring that all materials and components comply with environmental and ethical standards requires complex tracking and documentation processes across global supply chains. Recent files on the Corporate Reporting Sustainability Directive, Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, deforestation and taxonomy were highlighted, underscoring the challenges of identifying and mitigating risks related to environmental violations, human rights abuses, and other issues in the supply chain. Robust auditing mechanisms and, above all, coordination and harmonisation across existing systems are essential to reduce the administrative burden on companies.

This event was kindly sponsored by DXC Technology.

 

 

CLEPA 2024 General Assembly welcomes Polish state representatives for discussions on driving the automotive transformation forward

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The 2024 CLEPA General Assembly, held in Warsaw, welcomed more than 100 participants, representing 11 national associations and 80 corporate and associate members to discuss the future of the automotive industry in Poland, and across the EU.

in CLEPA, 19-06-2024

The Assembly was inaugurated by Mr. Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler and President of CLEPA, who emphasised the industry’s pivotal role in transforming European mobility, and the challenges and opportunities the transition presents.

“In today’s political climate, dialogue is crucial for progress. As we look globally, America promotes, China strategically plans, and Europe regulates. CLEPA has consistently advocated for policies to shape the transition in a way that supports competitiveness. Poland, with its remarkable growth as the seventh-largest exporter of vehicle parts and components, plays a key role in this journey. Our collective efforts and broader collaboration will be crucial to ensure a competitive and green future for Europe’s automotive industry.”

CLEPA Secretary General, Mr. Benjamin Krieger, saw the approval of the association’s membership composition and annual accounts. He also outlined the achievements of the association over the last year and reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to Europe’s twin transition.

“Europe is at a turning point driven by the transition and increased global competition. Automotive suppliers are at the forefront of innovation, developing the components and solutions for clean vehicles that will propel Europe’s transition to greener and smarter transportation. Our expertise puts us in a unique position to shape this shift in a way that also bolsters competitiveness and drives growth.”

The two-day programme also featured prominent speakers including Minister Krzysztof Bolesta, Secretary of State from Poland’s Ministry of Climate and Environment, who emphasises three priorities of climate action, competitiveness and the need for a strategic vision.

Mr. Henning Rennert, Partner, PwC Strategy& also presented an update on investing and financing the industry’s transformation.

On the second day, CLEPA members were joined by Ministers Mi?osz Motyka, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Climate and Environment and Ignacy Niemczycki, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.

This year’s Assembly was co-organised by the Association of Automotive Parts Distributors and Producers (SDCM). Mr. Tomasz B?ben, President of the SDCM Management Board, stated:

“Over the past 30 years, Poland has become one of the world leaders in the production of automotive parts. What’s more, our position in the global market is growing every year, and we are now already the seventh largest exporter of vehicle parts and components. It is therefore no coincidence that the largest meeting of European automotive parts manufacturers was held in Warsaw. We are happy to be a part of the CLEPA community and are ready to continue working together for the development of the industry in Poland and Europe.”

During the Roundtable discussions, Mr. Mark Nicklas, Head of Unit, European Commission’s DG GROW, shared his insights on the green transition of the automotive industry in Eastern Europe:

“Central Eastern European car makers have set a strong footprint on the region’s manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. New transformation strategies and identifying the enabling factors will be important to fully leverage the opportunities of the green transition for the CEE’s potential as an automotive hub for Europe.”

The General Assembly also confirmed new and re-elected members of the CLEPA Board, and recognised 9 new members, as listed below.

New corporate members:

  • ABEE
  • Deutz
  • DOW
  • Good Year
  • JOST
  • LG Electronics
  • PHINIA
  • TRANE Technologies

New associate member:

  • Upstream

 

 

CLEPA Press Release | Tariffs might buy us time, but won’t reverse the threat to EU competitiveness

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The European Commission today announced its provisional decision to increase tariffs on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) manufactured in China and exported into the European Union. The additional tariffs, ranging from 17.4% to 38.1%, seek to redress a distortion of competition due to subsidisation and will be added to the existing tariff of 10%. Unless China and the EU are able to resolve the issue, the tariffs will apply as of 4 July.

in CLEPA, 12-06-2024

Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General of CLEPA, stated: “The European Commission is right to be concerned about the competitiveness of the EU as a manufacturing hub and the challenges posed by Chinese manufacturers, but tariffs can only provide a temporary respite and bear the risk of retaliation.

Global trade requires a level-playing field and may necessitate corrective measures. However, protectionism cannot be the answer to restoring European competitiveness. Consolidated efforts are needed to make the EU attractive again for investment.”

China’s automotive market represents a third of the global industry, and many European suppliers provide components and systems to both international and Chinese automakers. Even Chinese-built BEVs often incorporate many components and technologies manufactured by European suppliers.

Vehicle manufacturers and suppliers are accelerating product development cycles and investing roughly €70 billion annually in R&D to reinforce their competitive edge. Europe’s main challenge is not a lack of innovative capacity but rather high energy costs, regulatory incoherence, and limited access to capital and public funding, which increasingly lead to innovations being manufactured abroad.

Instead of relying on protectionist measures that could hamper European companies’ access to crucial markets, EU policymakers should focus on making the EU more competitive.

CLEPA identifies five priorities to strengthen EU competitiveness:

  1. Bolster investment for industrialisation: Establish an EU industrial transformation fund to derisk investments of innovative green and digital mobility innovations, with special focus on existing facilities and key technologies for climate-neutral mobility.
  2. Create a supportive regulatory environment: Develop a coherent and enabling regulatory framework for the automotive industry, with emphasis on technology-openness, a reduction of the administrative burden and realistic targets.
  3. Affordable and secure supply of energy and raw materials: Reduce the cost of manufacturing by lowering energy prices, promoting the deployment of renewable energy, and concerted efforts to help diversify the raw materials supply chain.
  4. Develop critical infrastructure: Foster a coordinated approach among member states to strengthen enabling conditions, such as the deployment of charging and refuelling infrastructure, green hydrogen and carbon-neutral fuel production, and the development of the grid and digital infrastructure.
  5. Support market access: Strengthen the Single Market, including through regulating access to in-vehicle data to foster the development of digital mobility services. Facilitate access to global markets, capital and skilled workers through a coordinated effort among EU member states.

By addressing these priorities, CLEPA aims to enhance the competitiveness of the European automotive industry, ensuring it remains a global market leader and at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.

 

 

CLEPA New Position Paper: Green Claims Directive should support customers in making sustainable choices

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  • Automotive suppliers are actively developing strategies and pre-competitive partnerships to provide sound, reliable and comparable tools to measure sustainability progress
  • Uncertainty in the text, legal concerns and financial costs of certifications could prevent companies from communicating about their achievements
  • CLEPA urges the Council and the subsequent Trilogue negotiations to ensure that the new legislation will support transparency, benchmarking and information exchange

in CLEPA, 08-05-2024

The proposal 2023/0085 for a Directive by the European Council and the Parliament on substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims (Green Claims Directive), aims to enhance sustainability and address the risk of greenwashing in product communication. While CLEPA supports this effort, in its current form, the Green Claims Directive may negatively impact the transition towards more sustainable products. A comprehensive overview of challenges and recommendations by the European automotive supply industry can be found in CLEPA’s new position paper.

Fact-based communication on the environmental contribution of products and services ensures a level-playing field for market actors in the sector. Automotive suppliers have been developing strategies and pre-competitive partnerships to provide sound, reliable and comparable tools to measure sustainability progress. Automotive supply companies acknowledge the importance of transparently communicating on the sustainability of their products. This communication not only empowers consumers to make informed choices, but also fosters a marketplace that promotes truly sustainable products. The Green Claims Directive should aid consumers in discerning between products of varying degrees of sustainability, thereby encouraging greater transparency and accountability across industry.

However, the Green Claims Directive could, in its current form, introduce an excessively high bar for sustainability communication. Uncertainty in the text, legal concerns and financial costs of certifications may result in preventing companies from communicating about sustainability entirely, which would, in turn, mean less transparency for customers. To achieve a sustainable economy, consumers need to be able to not only identify the best-in-class performing product, but also to distinguish between better and worse products. It is therefore crucial that the efforts to substantiate environmental claims are proportional to the competitive advantages that such claims bring to the market.

CLEPA suggests addressing the following elements, explained in depth in the position paper:

  • Subjective wording and definitions
  • Mandatory third-party verification
  • Lack of harmonisation

If companies are not able to benchmark themselves and their products on sustainability, there is a very concrete risk that no market interest and consumer request can be leveraged to afford the significant investments that are needed upfront and throughout the greening process. We urge the Council and the subsequent Trilogue negotiations to consider these aspects and develop a harmonised legislation that creates a level-playing field for EU stakeholders; and not a barrier to environmental communication.

 

DOWNLOAD THE NEW CLEPA POSITION

 

About CLEPA

  • CLEPA represents over 3,000 companies supplying state-of-the-art components and innovative technology for safe, smart and sustainable mobility, investing over €30 billion yearly in research and development. Automotive suppliers directly employ about 1.7 million people in Europe.