As early as January – in just a few days – the EU will begin crisis negotiations with the pressured European automotive industry, according to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The EU will begin crisis negotiations with the European automotive industry as early as January.
The purpose is to find solutions to the challenges facing the industry, which have already led to extensive layoffs and factory closures.
This is reported by EU News .
The Commission plans to launch a "strategic automotive dialogue" with representatives from the automotive industry to discuss possible actions and swiftly implement solutions.
One of the topics during the crisis negotiations could be the creation of a fund to support the car industry. In addition, the EU will ask car brands to consider how they can further cut their CO2 emissions.
"The automotive industry is a source of European pride and is crucial to Europe's prosperity. It drives innovation, supports millions of jobs and is the largest private investor in research and development," said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
In addition to CO2 reduction, the crisis negotiations will also focus on artificial intelligence and self-driving cars. Both unions and subcontractors to the automotive industry will participate in the crisis mode with the EU summit.
However, the crisis negotiations are already starting too late. Audi has decided to close the brand's only Belgian factory by February. This means the Q8 e-tron will be discontinued, and that leaves Belgium with only one car factory. Namely the one outside Ghent, which is owned by Chinese Volvo.
In Germany, Volkswagen's management has also announced that it is necessary to close factories. Director Thomas Schäfer does not rule out the possibility of layoffs.
Layoffs are already underway at Ford in Germany. The brand, which previously announced that production of the Capri and Explorer electric cars is being slowed down significantly, is planning to close down entire departments. Read more about it here .
Subcontractors are also struggling. Most recently, Brose, which builds electric window lifts, announced that another 750 employees would lose their jobs. The news comes just a few months after it became clear that 950 other employees at the company would be laid off.
