The European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) — composed of Apollo Vredestein, Bridgestone Europe, Cooper Tires, Continental, Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe, Hankook Tire Europe, Marangoni, Michelin, Mitas, Nokian Tyres, Pirelli Tyre, and Trelleborg Wheel Systems — announced the release of the CARS 2020 Action Plan on November 8 by the European Commission (EC), adding that it will be implemented immediately.
Fazilet Cinaralp, the association’s Secretary General, said the highly-anticipated plan will change the the automotive sector of Europe for the better, and should thus be expedited.
Current estimates show that tyre production and sales for this year will fall to 10%, and the 2013 forecast is even poorer. But the association is hopeful that the CARS 2020 Action Plan will give the European automotive industry a much-needed boost as players are given the right tools to maintain their positions.
The Action Plan is committed to market surveillance, which is key to attain the goals of the industry.
ETRMA also emphasised the importance of the EC’s careful evaluation of the effects of FTAs and trading agreements.
Cinaralp concluded: “With the EU tyre market shrinking, the European tyre industry keeps investing in research and technology. It is therefore our hope that this renewed commitment of the European Commission towards the automotive industry will make us stronger in the face of a continuing economic downturn.” (RJA)