ACEA

The engine of Europe

Europe is the world's largest vehicle producer and the automotive industry forms the backbone of the EU economy. Cars are an indispensable part of the every day lives of most Europeans. The automotive industry is often described as "the engine of Europe" because of its economic and social importance and the historical role it has played in the development of the continent. The European automotive industry is the leading employer in manufacturing in the EU. read more

ACEA 1998 Commitment has Significantly Cut CO2 Emissions from Cars

The European car industry has signed an agreement in 1998 to reduce CO2 emissions from cars as a sign of its commitment to contribute to tackling climate change. The car industry has delivered on its voluntary commitment (an average cut in CO2 emissions from new cars by 13% between 1995 and 2004, registered by the latest EU Monitoring Report) and will continue to make substantial efforts. But the exact target of 140 gCO2/km by 2008 will be difficult to achieve, because there are numerous factors that have negatively influenced the efforts of the industry. read more

• Full Industry Report

Automotive industry in the new member states, a special focus

The new EU member states host 13% of EU car production and this share is growing. The automotive industry is now as important for these countries as it already was to the EU-15. read more

Slight upturn in 2006 sales stems from growth recovery in main EU markets

Challenging factors for the EU car market in 2006 were high interest rates, overall fiscal tightening, a firm Euro weighing heavily on exports, a slowing of global economic growth and oil prices fluctuation. Long-term challenges for automotive demand are mainly embodied in climate change, debt position of households, globalisation, a much-needed structural reform in some home markets and a burdensome regulatory framework. read more