Brussels, 06/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - The Proust report complements the integrated strategy presented by the European Commission at the end of 2012 with measures to support a car industry that is prey to overcapacity.
On 5 November, the European Parliament's industry committee gave its backing to an action plan tabled by the Commission in November 2012 for the future of the European car industry. Adopted by a wide majority on Monday (37 votes to five, with four abstentions), the report by Franck Proust (EPP, France) complements the Commission's integrated approach, which focuses on action regarding CO2 emissions, financing for R&D and innovation, electro-mobility, access to international markets, and training and skills (see EUROPE 10726).
While he welcomes the strategy overall, Proust points out certain shortfalls - such as the fact that some structural changes from which the industry suffers have not been taken into account (like the ageing population, high fuel prices and the increased quality of cars). “We must learn how to better sell our technological know-how, which is our only competitive advantage over the rest of the world”, Proust says. He supports more coordinated management from the member states in the face of overcapacity and restructuring - which are both the reasons for, and the results of, the crisis in the sector.
MEPs back implementation of emergency support measures for competitiveness - such as taxation and social reforms. In addition, they recommend strengthening social dialogue and developing the lifelong training of employees so that they can adapt to rapid changes in demand. As regards the external dimension, the report underlines the urgency of improving the tools available so that companies can compete with the sometimes unfair international competition.
Lastly, the industry committee recommends support measures for motorists in order to correct the legal fragmentation of the European market for spare parts - a fragmentation that has a detrimental effect on consumer purchasing power - and it recommends support measures for motorists in order to facilitate access to information on their rights as regards repairs, in order to improve technology linked to fuel safety and fuel saving, and in order to develop incentives to stimulate demand. (EH/transl.fl)