Brussels, 06/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - The return to growth of the automobile sector is expected to be sealed in 2015. European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) President Carlos Ghosn, while delighted, is keeping his feet on the ground.
Last year, new passenger car registrations were up 5.7% on the previous year, or 12.6 million new vehicles on European roads. Ghosn says that this is significant because it is the first positive annual result since the financial crisis began in 2007. However, he said in Brussels on Wednesday 4 February, “our optimism about this early sign of recovery must be tempered with caution, given the economic uncertainties still facing many countries”. ACEA expects growth to continue in 2015, but at a considerably slower pace, with a year-on-year forecast in the region of 2%. At the association's annual reception, Ghosn laid great stress on innovation, a supportive regulatory framework and trade (TTIP agreement), areas where the European Commission should be active. (MD)