The automotive sector in Spain values positively the modification of measure 256 in the Open Proposal for a Progressive Common Program, of the PSOE. The first wording of the measure spoke of a ban on the sale of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles from 2040, while the second wording states that “in development of the decarbonization strategy by 2050, we will adopt the necessary measures, in accordance with European regulations, so that new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, (…) gradually reduce their emissions, so that not later than 2040 they are vehicles with emissions of 0gCO2 / km. Work will be done with the sector and measures will be put in place that facilitate the penetration of these vehicles, which will include support measures for R & D & I ”.
The associations as a whole understand that this new wording, which discards an express prohibition, is in line with the work done with the Government in order to design a Plan for the Automotive, with strategic measures that advance in this transformation of the sector, both Industrial and market level. The entire sector needs measures that favor industrial competitiveness, that attract new models and investments and that strengthen the market in order to increase sales of the most efficient vehicles. Therefore, these conversations are positively highlighted in order to reach a favorable framework agreement, which reinforces the country's competitiveness in the transition of future mobility.
Certainty to strengthen the market and investments
The establishment of intermediate limits for the purpose of decarbonising the park in 2050, as established by the EU and as all the agents in the sector are committed, it means giving stability and certainty, both to vehicle and component manufacturers, to distribution and to buyers.
Society needs certainty and know that the transition in our country towards sustainable mobility will be done in an orderly, equitable way, taking into account their needs and always according to a realistic calendar in terms of the development and better technological use of vehicles.
In this sense, the current complete offer of new vehicles, with all technologies, play an essential role in this process, since they comply with the most demanding emission measurement regulations in the world. In this way, buyers can be sure that they can meet their mobility needs through any of the technologies currently available in the market.
Mario Armero, executive vice president of the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers, ANFAC, highlighted "the agility" with which the modification was introduced, "because it reduces uncertainty for consumers and the sector." “ANFAC, as a representative of the manufacturers, is fully committed to the path of decarbonisation of the park in 2050 and the transformation towards new mobility. More than 70% of the models that are going to be launched on the market carry an electrified or hybrid version, with which one moves towards a zero automotive and low emissions, but the transition has to be orderly, affordable and positive from all points of view. Eliminating the ban also provides certainty to the market, which needs it so much after months of fall and involves returning to the roadmap that is being worked with the Government in the face of an agreement for the Automotive and aligned with the European Union. We are open to continue collaborating with the Executive and society on this path, ”he said.
Víctor García Alia, general secretary of Aniacam, said they “have seen with satisfaction the rectification that the PSOE has made in the Proposals document. We are sure that the only way to reach that goal is, first of all, to renew the obsolete car park that Spain has and the only way to do it in the most immediate future is to change it with modern combustion vehicles that practically do not emit gases pollutants and CO2 emissions have drastically decreased and secondly, to resume the preference of diesel vehicles over gasoline, which emit much less CO2. It is important that the Government reassure buyers by urging them to change old vehicles to modern ones combustion cars, in particular non-polluting diesel ”.
"The best way to end the uncertainty of the buyers, which as we know has had a negative impact on sales, is that the sector works hand in hand with the Government, the current one in functions or with which it should be formed as soon as possible, to make the transition towards sustainable mobility in our country always favor the interests of drivers and the renovation of the park. We must stop talking about prohibitions if there is currently no alternative. We cannot deviate from this line because we play a lot, ”said Marta Blázquez, executive vice president of the Automotive Dealers, Faconauto.
In the opinion of Ana Sánchez, general director of the National Association of Motor Vehicle Vendors, Repair and Parts, Ganvam, “With this rapid rectification, it is being recognized that an environmental strategy based on the prohibition delays the purchase decision and confuses the user, contributing to increase the age of the park and therefore, achieving the opposite effect to that pursued. Thus, a message of tranquility is very necessary for society and the sector, which will give a boost to the market, resulting in a gradual renovation of the park. Implementing an orderly transition that respects the principle of technological neutrality – since all new and pre-owned vehicles comply with the most demanding anti-pollution regulations in the world today – is the most effective way to curb the age of the park and achieve the zero objective emissions, with which the sector has shown to be fully committed ”.
As José Portilla, general director of the Spanish Association of Automotive Suppliers, SERNAUTO, it is positive that it has been rectified because the initial text contradicted what was worked during the legislature with the Ministry of Industry and, in addition, went against what was stipulated by the European Union. The automotive components industry is fully committed to decarbonization but always respecting the criterion of technological neutrality and in a progressive and orderly manner, where no technology is penalized as all of them are key to meeting the emission objectives and guaranteeing mobility. of people and goods. It is essential that an essential country-strategy for the transformation of the automotive sector be implemented as soon as possible, supporting industrial development, its employment and competitiveness in a globalized environment. It is also a priority to implement urgent measures to promote the competitiveness of the industry, promote R & D & I in Spain and promote the flattening and rejuvenation of the park, which would have an immediate impact on the environment.