ACEA

Streamlining regulation

The automotive industry is one of the most regulated sectors in the EU due to its highly complex products and the many issues that must be considered relating to vehicle use. Most rules define detailed technical prescriptions for which the specialist knowledge of automotive manufacturers is essential.

• Definition of vehicle categories

---

The automotive sector is key to EU economic growth

The automotive sector is key for sustaining and improving the economic strength of the European Union, ensuring future prosperity of its citizens. There is a clear need to establish a policy framework that nurtures the automotive industry, the “engine of Europe”

---

CARS 21: Working together for a competitive and sustainable auto-industry

CARS 21 is the abbreviation of ‘Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st century’. Championed by the European Commission, the initiative was launched in 2005 to strengthen competitiveness and employment in the automotive sector while enhancing progress toward safety and environmental goals - at a price affordable to the consumer. With a Commission Decision of 14 October 2010, CARS 21 is an official advisory group to the Commission. The new CARS 21 process, launched by the High Level Group on 10 November 2010, sets out to define policies for “a competitive EU automotive industry and sustainable mobility and growth in 2020 and beyond”.

---

International harmonisation of regulation is a high priority

Common standards and regulations are essential to the competitiveness of the European automobile sector. They reduce costs, improve economies of scale and boost export opportunities in markets across the globe. Harmonisation also benefits the environment and improves vehicle safety. Technologies that cut emissions and bring safer vehicles to roads can be introduced more rapidly and more cost-effectively if regulations are applied globally and test criteria agreed internationally.

---

Intellectual Property - Providing a sound basis for European investors

Robust intellectual property (IP) laws encourage companies to innovate and support investment in R&D. The automotive sector therefore welcomes measures to protect legitimate manufacturing interests and moves to drive out the counterfeiters. It is therefore hard to understand why the Commission would push ahead with plans to abolish design protection for visible spare parts.

• Design protection is essential

---

Guides

More Entries

---

Press Releases

More Entries

---

Go back