ACEA

Automobile Manufacturers Urge for Stability in Europe

Left to Right: Dieter Zetsche, Daimler, President 2011 ACEA; Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe; Sergio Marchionne, Fiat S.p.A, President 2012 ACEA; Harrie Schippers, DAF Trucks; Ivan Hodac, ACEA.

Brussels, 2 December 2011 – The members of ACEA call on European leaders to take urgent action to secure a stable economic environment in which businesses of all sizes can be confident about creating jobs and investing in a strong future for Europe.

Europe’s increasing instability risks both the European and the global economy. To secure growth and prosperity in our region, European leaders must act in concert in the best interests of their citizens. It is especially important that confidence in the Eurozone is restored.

The chief executives of the ACEA members met, today, in Brussels for a scheduled board meeting of the association. A substantial delegation of CEOs then participated in a meeting of the CARS21 High-level Group, hosted by European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani (DG Industry & Enterprise). The CEOs used this opportunity to stress the importance of securing Europe’s economic future and enhancing the prospects for its peoples.

There is general agreement that Europe needs political leadership to overcome the crisis and avert a difficult 2012

Europe’s future
In its fifty years of existence, the European Union has made impressive progress in improving the region’s global competitiveness. The Union has created a single market, removed border restrictions, lowered administrative hurdles, promoted greater efficiency in business and established Europe as a major economic block in the world. The Euro has further spurred economic activity across the Union and anchored Europe’s position on the global stage.

The stability of the European economy, however, is increasingly threatened by the persistent differences within the Eurozone. There is an urgent need for leadership and action to solve the Eurozone’s problems, most notably the sovereign debt issue. The region’s economic and fiscal governance must be improved and appropriate support mechanisms put in place. Deficiencies that were not addressed at the time of the creation of the euro must now be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

Industrial policy
Europe’s economic recovery and the region’s ability to cope with renewed instability will to a large extent depend on the continued resilience of its manufacturing industries. A sound economy needs a robust manufacturing base, as that is where many jobs are provided and future growth secured. The automobile industry, in particular, is a strategic sector for Europe and this position must be reflected in the Union’s industrial policy, as well as in its trade relations and transport policies.

The press conference held after the Board of Directors meeting gave the world’s press a chance to put questions directly to the CEOs on topics including CO2 legislation, the transition of the ACEA presidency from Zetsche to Marchionne, and on the industry’s economic assessment.

About ACEA
The European automotive industry is key to the strength and competitiveness of Europe. The ACEA members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, FIAT S.p.A., Ford of Europe,
General Motors Europe, Jaguar Land Rover, MAN Truck & Bus, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault Group, Scania, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Car Corporation,
Volvo Group. They provide direct employment to more than 2.3 million people and indirectly support another 10 million jobs. Annually, ACEA members invest over €26 billion in R&D, or 5% of turnover.

For further information, please contact Sigrid de Vries, Director Communications,
ACEA   +32 2 738 73 45 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Please also visit www.acea.be

• Press Release: CARS21 Press Release
• BBC News report: BBC New report: Car makers urge stability(VIDEO)
• Speech by Alfredo Altavilla, CEO of IVECO trucks and buses: Can efficiency take the lead in transport policy?
• ACEA elected Sergio Marchionne as President for 2012: Marchionne elected as ACEA president(VIDEO)

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