Electric vehicles high on EU agenda
The electric vehicle must become a reality in Europe, Spain's Industry Minister Miguel Sebastián said on 9 February in San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain) following the informal meeting of the Competitive Council that focused on the electric vehicle and its role in Europe. 'It is a good day for European industry,' Minister Sebastián told journalists following the first two of three working sessions of the European delegations on the electric vehicle. The unprecedented crisis that hit Europe recently further underlines the need for European institutions, supported by the Commission, to lead a common strategy on electric vehicles. The electric vehicle offers a win-win situation for all, and in particular for industry, energy, environment and technology. Europeans must work together to cement this commitment because it 'is a winning hand', Minister Sebastián remarked. The introduction of the electric vehicle to European industry adds value, will bring new technologies to the forefront and generate state-of-the-art activities. In effect, it would give European exports a major boost, jobs would be created, there would be better fuel efficiency and energy savings, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions would be curbed. 'It is good for people's pockets, good for European income and employment, good for Europe as a whole, and it will be good for the planet from an environmental perspective,' the Spanish official explained. 'From our point of view, EU institutions should lead the introduction of the electric vehicle,' he said, adding that a common strategy should be created by the Commission with extensive feedback given by the EU Member States. Essential to bringing forth this strategy is strong discussion between Europeans that will help them meet the challenges that have emerged in this sector. Minister Sebastián believes the EU institutions and Member States will support this initiative, with the common strategy to be adopted in mid spring. Germany has already expressed its support for the initiative. Moreover, citing his French counterpart, Christian Estrosi, Mr Sebastián said the electric vehicle 'is essential' and Europeans must work on 'it together in a coordinated way'. The sessions brought together government officials with stakeholders and representatives from the information and communication technologies (ICT), automotive and energy sectors. Speaking to participants at the meeting, Dr Dieter Zetsche, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) and chief executive of German carmaker Daimler AG, remarked that the entire European automotive industry is crucial for both the regional economy and employment. This industry provides 2.2 million direct jobs and indirect employment for almost 10 million families, he said. Essentially, the automotive industry can provide the answers that Europe needs, Dr Zetsche underlined, adding that mobility fuels economic growth and social development. The bottom line is that coordinated collaboration of everyone involved would help put electric vehicles at the top of the game in Europe and abroad.
Countries
Germany, Spain