This morning, Jean-Louis Pech, President of the French Federation of Vehicle Equipment Industries (FIEV), called for urgent action to save a European automotive industry that is, in his words, “in mortal danger”. A central demand: true technological neutrality.
In France, the automotive sector is struggling. Domestic vehicle production has dropped by 1.5 million units since 2002 – from 3.7 million in 2002 to just 1.36 million in 2024 – a staggering 63% decline. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, production has fallen by 38%.
A survey conducted last March by FIEV and CLIFA* among their members revealed that over 70% believe part of their production in France and Europe is under threat.
As the industry is pushed to adapt rapidly to electrification, subcontractors are being hit hard – both by the slowdown in electric vehicle sales and the burden of inflation.
Faced with this crisis, the FIEV is calling for stronger European content (70–80%) and for meaningful support to restore the industry’s competitiveness. This includes measures such as tackling high energy costs, reducing taxes, and simplifying regulatory standards.
While the federation fully supports stimulating demand for electric vehicles, it insists that we must “embrace all low-carbon powertrains, assessed across their full life cycle: plug-in hybrids, range extenders”, as well as “low-carbon fuels such as e-fuels, second-generation biofuels, and hydrogen”. This broader, more inclusive approach is at the heart of what the federation is advocating in the context of the current policy review clause.
“When it comes to technology, things evolve. We must avoid dogmatism,” warns Jean-Louis Pech.
*CLIFA: Committee of Equipment Manufacturers for the Mechanical Industries
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