Automotive crisis: suppliers urge policymakers to take “urgent actions”

Brussels – In line with the good intentions of the European Commission, the European Automotive Suppliers Association (CLEPA) has declared his committment to the transition of the automotive sector towards zero-emission mobility. Amid fierce international competition in the market and structural transformation of the European automotive industry, CLEPA presented its Sustainability Manifesto this morning (Feb. 25), outlining a common path for industry and policymakers to foster the sector’s sustainable development without sacrificing competitiveness.

The automotive supply sector wants to present itself as pivotal in driving sustainable innovation, reducing emissions, and boosting the automotive industry. The association intends to move in this direction by committing to achieving climate neutrality in European operations by 2040, supporting the EU’s circularity goal of sourcing 25 percent of raw materials through recycling and reducing dependencies in supply from an environmental and human rights perspective.

Suppliers also emphasize the so-called “just transition,” to be achieved by ensuring that by 2030, 5 percent of workers participating in up- or re-skilling programs annually by 2030. The sector, it is important to note, employs directly nearly 2 million Europeans.

According to CLEPA secretary-general Benjamin Krieger, the key to the success of this initiative is the urgent action by policymakers aimed at stimulating investment in green innovation. The latter should ensure a regulatory plan that allows companies to drive progress toward neutrality “instead of overwhelming them with reporting requirements.” In an era of unprecedented challenges, “we need competitive investment conditions,” the secretary stressed.