Josep Maria Recasens urges the EU to boost the automotive industry's competitiveness
The new Chief Strategy, Product & Program Management Officer of Renault and president of Anfac, Josep Maria Recasens, makes an urgent call to community institutions. His goal is for the European automotive industry to be able to compete on equal terms against other economic blocs. The global environment demands a unified and agile response. 🚗
A clear regulatory framework to invest in Europe
Recasens argues that manufacturing vehicles, including electric ones, in Europe requires regulations that do not change constantly. He emphasizes that the European Union must develop its own industrial strategy to protect its production capacity. This contrasts with more protectionist policies in other regions. Long-term certainty is essential to attract investments.
Pillars for a competitive industry:- Regulatory stability that provides security to manufacturers.
- A European industrial strategy that promotes local production.
- A unified response to global competition and its regulations.
"To manufacture vehicles in Europe, we need a clear regulatory framework that does not change constantly and that provides certainty for long-term investments."
Rebuilding the value chain for electrification
The executive emphasizes that electrification goes beyond changing the engine. It involves rebuilding an entire value chain around the battery and software. To achieve this, Europe must accelerate the development of a competitive charging infrastructure and ensure access to critical raw materials, reducing external dependence. 🔋
Key elements for the transition:- Develop a fast and accessible charging infrastructure across Europe.
- Secure the supply of critical raw materials for batteries.
- Foster collaboration between countries and sector companies.
The consumer will have the final say
While some voices call for more ambitious deadlines to ban combustion engines, manufacturers first demand the necessary tools to produce the alternatives. Recasens makes it clear that, in the end, it will be the consumer, with their purchasing decision, who will evaluate which path was the right one. The industry needs support to offer viable options. ⚖️