In times of turbulence and radical change, even the largest automotive companies have every reason to address some fundamental challenges together.
” We are the voice of the auto industry: a technological world leader and the backbone of the EU economy.” The confident voice belongs to ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, representing 16 major Europe-based automobile manufacturers.
ACEA does not only represent the collective interests of the vehicle makers. It also claims to reflect the interests of European citizens, transport users, and operators, as well as auto industry workers. “Our aim is to drive Europe’s mobility transformation – while at the same time ensuring that the auto industry remains a strong global and competitive player.”
In practice, this means sharing leading expertise and continually updated information to promote well-informed decisions and societal debate around mobility.
As an example, the recently published SAG report examines the social impacts of shared mobility. The organization also publishes periodically updated fact sheets about cars, vans, buses, and trucks. The rich information provided ranges from the number of cars currently on European roads (243 million) to new registrations, tax revenues, export, and new car emissions. The use and potential benefits of shared, updated, and comparable data for the industry, governments, and other interested parties are manifold.
Founded in 1991, the organization was exclusive for European companies, more recently it was opened for non-European automakers with significant production and research facilities in Europe as well.
Another vital voice is CECRA, representing more than 330,000 automotive trade and repair businesses across Europe. This umbrella organization presents itself as a watchdog to ensure the interests of authorized dealers and repairers, also offering a shared “Best Practice” platform.
More specifically, SECRA’s role is to:
- Monitor and accompany the development of relevant European legislation
- Act as a watchdog ensuring the interests of dealers and repairers
- Build alliances with other European stakeholders
- Identify and share new trends and business opportunities
One vital task is to update and upgrade the European legislative framework to match the challenges of digitization, automation, and new business models.
CECRA organizes lobbying groups for access to data and connectivity; consumers’ rights; franchising; and fighting against odometer fraud. Another working group deals with communication and events.