Elkann and De Meo, European car destiny at stake this year
'This year for the first time, China will produce more than Europe and the US combined. 2025 is a crucial moment,' says Elkann in an interview with Le Figaro
2' min read
2' min read
'The fate of the European automotive industry is at stake this year'. Sounding the new alarm are Stellantis chairman John Elkann and Renault CEO Luca De Meo in an interview with Le Figaro.
"This year for the first time, China will produce more than Europe and the United States combined. 2025 is a crucial moment,' says Elkann.
"The current level of the market is a disaster, there is also a strategic issue at stake for states, the sector represents 400 billion tax revenues in Europe," emphasises De Meo.
'What we need,' explains Elkann, 'is rapid decision-making and certainty. We are not asking for aid, just that they let us work, innovate and bring people the cleaner and also affordable vehicles they want and need. In Europe, we argue with states that unfortunately have little room for manoeuvre and a European Commission that has little capacity to act. In China, the US and the emerging countries, they are building strong industrial policies'.
The president of Stellantis recalls that 'France, Italy and Spain are the most interested countries: their populations are the buyers of cars whose prices have risen, and they are also the producers. And together they weigh more than Germany in terms of production. It is important that these countries make the promotion of their industry their priority'.
