A small light appears at the end of the tunnel into which the car market has fallen. In 2020 sector sales plummeted by 24,3%, a datum defined as "catastrophic" which took the automotive sector back 26 years, to the levels of 1994. How will 2021 go? According to forecasts by Acea, the European Association of Automotive Manufacturers, this year's sales could score an increase in 10% compared to the previous. A small step towards a recovery that bodes well, although the effects of the pandemic will continue to be felt on the data for the first quarter of 2021. The auto market should recover in second half of the year, as vaccination programs advance.
“Now more than ever it is essential to work hand in hand with EU policy makers to strengthen the competitiveness of the automotive industry on the global scene”, said the new president of Acea, Oliver Zipse, who is also CEO of BMW. “Thanks to the global business model of European automakers and the international demand for vehicles manufactured in the EU – continued Zipse – last year production plants in Europe were able to benefit from faster recovering markets, particularly those in Asia” .
“However, the sustainable economic recovery of the European Union and of local demand is vital for ours return to pre-crisis strength“, noted the manager.
There is also another fact that bodes well for the future. According to Acea, thanks to the increase in investments and national aid aimed at supporting demand during the crisis, in 2020 themarket share of electric cars it grew considerably, going from 3% in 2019 (data referring to the EU) to 10,5% last year. “With the right policy support, including a massive increase in alternative fuel charging and refueling infrastructure in all EU member states, this positive trend can continue,” Zipse stressed. “Despite the economic pressures caused by the pandemic, our industry remains fully committed to its ongoing transformation towards carbon neutrality.” And he concludes: 'Our industry is working hard to recover and meet the challenges ahead. Because a strong EU car industry, both domestically and globally, will not only help strengthen Europe's economy, but also help achieve its climate ambitions."
