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International Trade: A Strategic Interest for Europe

The European Automobile industry firmly supports the EU in its trade negotiation programme, and encourages international trade deals that provide mutual benefits and shared rewards for the industry at home and for partners abroad.

The EU is currently engaged in a number of Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Some agreements have already been concluded, while others are still being discussed. European industry follows each of these negotiations with interest. These FTAs can be found below.

EU-India FTA: No Compromise on 'Zero-for-Zero'
The European Automotive industry supports an EU FTA with India provided it meets various criteria, including no diversion from the 'zero-for-zero' tariff.

EU-Japan FTA/EPA: Tentative Beginnings, Uncertain Gains
The EU and Japan have started exploring possible trade talks. The auto industry insists that further study is necessary

EU-South Korea FTA: Resolution of Remaining Issues
The EU-South Korea FTA is now provisionally in force, but a number of regulatory and policy issue remain unresolved.

EU-Ukraine FTA: Robust EU Approach Necessary
The EU has concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine, but industry believes there are outstanding issues that require attention.

The Chinese market is becoming ever more important

Between 1999 and 2003, China tripled its output of passenger cars and doubled the production of trucks. Long term, the country's rapid economic growth is likely to be reflected in continuing increased demand for vehicles, and some forecasts see China being the third biggest market worldwide by 2010. Chinese automotive manufacturers would benefit from the introduction of free trade and common standards, applied in the other major world automobile markets.

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.