Put forward in a open letter to European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has put forward its key recommendations for Europe’s climate and energy policy.

‘Europe’s cars, vans, trucks and buses currently have the highest environmental standards in the world, and our industry is committed to further progress,’ stated Philippe Varin, ACEA president and CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroën. ‘However, greenhouse gas emission and renewable energy targets must not be set at the expense of industry's growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace.’

The ACEA highlighted that Europe’s automobile industry directly or indirectly supports 13 million jobs in Europe, is responsible for €32bn in annual R&D investment, and contributes €95.7bn in net exports to the EU economy.

‘As a key pillar of Europe’s industrial base, our sector fully supports the Commission's objective of raising industry’s contribution to GDP to 20% by 2020,’ stated ACEA secretary general, Erik Jonnaert. ‘If this vision is to be achieved, the EU's industrial renaissance and climate protection must go hand-in-hand, as part of an integrated EU policy.’

In the letter, ACEA also urged political leaders to ensure equivalent targets for all industry sectors: ‘No other industry sector has done as much in driving down emission levels, both from its products and its production sites, as the auto sector. Looking ahead, it is important that all stakeholders contribute equally to achieving the EU’s future climate objectives.’