Brussels, 10/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - The first meeting of the new high-level CARS 21 group on competitiveness and sustainable development in the European car industry was held on Wednesday 10 November, chaired by EU Industry Commissioner and Vice-President of the European Commission Antonio Tajani. The group aims to help the Commission draw up an effective European industrial policy for the car industry and implementation of the EU's clean, energy-efficient car strategy. Shortly before the meeting, EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger commented that the EU could play an important role in the development of electric cars. Informally launched in 2008, CARS 21 has been formally re-activated and expanded by the Commission and works on three levels - a high-level group, a group of sherpas and working groups on specific issues. The high-level group will be meeting again in June 2011 and aims to have completed its work by the spring of 2012. At its first meeting, it decided on a list of subjects to be discussed. EUROPE will be returning to the outcome of the meeting. (Gp/transl.fl)