Open letter signed by the respective CEOs Oliver Blume and Antonio Filosa: “This is how we defend our automotive industry”
Purchase incentives for electric cars “Made in Europe” and support for continental companies to “face competition from importers who operate in less rigorous regulatory and social conditions than in the EU”. Volkswagen And Stellantis they call into question the European Commission in an open letter signed by the respective CEOs Oliver Blume And Antonio Filosaan appeal that puts the spotlight back on the rather slight change proposed by Brussels to the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars beyond 1 January 2035, i.e. the transition from 100% to 90% reduction in CO2 emissions. The challenge of the electric car posed by Blume and Filosa, however, is in terms of strategy: “Volkswagen and Stellantis are the two largest car manufacturers in Europe, we are in strong competition with each other. At the same time, we share the responsibility of making Europe an industrial power. The European car industry is an integral part of it, generating 8% of Europe’s GDP every year and employing 13 million people.” In the open letter, addressed to the three business newspapers Handelsblatt, Les Echos and Il Sole 24 Ore, the two managers call for a general method to address the future of the sector. “Firstly, anyone who sells vehicles to European customers should also produce them under similar conditions. This ensures fair competition. Secondly, European taxpayers’ money should be used in a targeted way to promote European production and attract investment in the EU.”
Incentives and subsidies
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Oliver Blume and Antonio Filosa propose requirements “Made in Europe” for electric vehicles registered in the EU, defined in reference to four categories: “la production of the vehicle, including the assembly and research phases, the creation of the electric powertrainthat of battery cells and finally some electronic components important.” The idea is that of a real European driving license. “Each vehicle that meets the criteria should receive a label and benefit from various advantages, for example national purchasing incentives or public procurement. But purchase incentives at the vehicle level are not enough. Manufacturers who concentrate most of their production in Europe should get it advantages that at least compensate for the costs.”
