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The automobile industry in Europe

The European automobile industry plays a pivotal role in Europe’s economy, driving wide-scale industrial activity, boosting investment and innovation, bolstering economic growth.

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Innovation & Education

Automotive is the leading force of innovation

  • 6,300 new patents per year
  • State of the art technology and design centres
  • A high-skilled workforce
  • In-house education & training
  • Major regional research clusters
  • Vehicle testing & motor sports
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Sales & Services

Cars and commercial vehicles generate a wide variety of services

  • 188,000 vehicle dealerships
  • Leasing and financial services
  • Insurance & roadside assistance
  • Rental services & driving schools
  • Advertising, a € 5 billion market
  • Recycling, 8 million vehicles each year
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Transport & Commerce

Moving people and goods spurs economic activity and public services

  • Road transport carries 75% of all freight
  • Distribution & logistics
  • Crafts & salesmen services
  • Public transport, taxis
  • Postal & courier services
  • Police & emergency services
  • Garbage collection
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Fuels & Electricity

Transport and energy demand are closely intertwined

  • 116 oil refineries in Europe
  • Fuel infrastructure and distribution
  • Filling stations turnover € 250 billion
  • Power plants and renewables
  • Electricity storage, charging and distribution
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Manufacturing & Employment

Automotive is the engine of manufacturing in Europe

  • 2.3 million direct jobs, 10 million indirect
  • 250 vehicle plants in 18 EU countries
  • More than 8,000 equipment manufacturers
  • Over € 743 billion turnover
  • Supplying industries: steel, aluminium, chemicals, textiles, glass, plastics, rubbers, electronics, information technology
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Driving & mobility

Automobiles have unlocked an unprecedented level of mobility

  • Commuting to work and school
  • Connecting cities, suburbs, country side
  • Social life and holidays
  • Leisure, hobbies & sports
  • Average car mileage 14,000 km per year
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Roads & Infrastructure

Infrastructure connects people, businesses, countries and cultures

  • A 6 million km road network
  • A €118 billion turnover sector
  • Maintenance & roadside services
  • Traffic management
  • Parking facilities
  • Toll companies
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Taxes & Revenues

Automotive and mobility are a major source of income for governments

  • Car taxes, 4.1% of EU GDP
  • Fuel taxes, up to 60% of the price
  • Company taxation
  • Income tax
  • Driving licenses
  • Parking fees
  • Road and urban charges


last updated 09/12/2009

Events

Upcoming Events

  • Diesel Emissions Conference, & Adblue Forum 2013 Europe, 18-20 June 2013. ACEA members get a 20% discount on the registration fee.

Recent and Past Events

  • ACEA Annual Transport Policy Event 2012: How Can Policy Reflect Changing Transport Demands? 6 December 2012,Brussels. Click here for more...
  • Our Future Mobility Now "Innovation for Europe, Skills for the Future" Roundtable 10 October 2012. Click here for more...
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