The European automotive industry has submitted clear research and development priorities to the European Commission in an effort to shape the European Green Car Initiative.
The Green Car Initiative is part of the European economic recovery plan and allocates €5billion to boost innovation in the automotive sector with a clear focus on environmental progress. It will concentrate on long-term research and development by combining existing projects under a clear policy focus and underlining the importance of a joint approach between policymakers and industries.
The European automotive manufacturers will play a key role in evolving towards greener vehicles and transport systems with equal focus on the following areas:
- - Mobility and Transport – Including deploying information and communication technologies as well as intelligent transport systems and transport management.
- - Energy and Environment – Will explore primary energy sources that are renewable, secure, sufficient and environmentally compatible.
- - Safety – Ensures the safety of vehicle concepts and types.
- - Affordability and competitiveness – Achieving green objectives at an affordable level and taking into account the availability and use of raw and rare materials.
The automotive manufacturers and suppliers are calling on the EU to adopt these priorities and implement them as soon as possible. It is believed that EU and national government support is essential to help the sector bridge the economic downturn.
