The CARS 21 High Level Group on 1 December 2011 adopted its interim report which covers the group’s consensus on the topics covered by it so far. FIGIEFA welcomes the CARS 21 process but is disappointed that the focus of the Interim Report centres almost exclusively on the manufacturing side of the automotive sector.

Despite the recognition that the 12 million jobs supported by the automotive industry are created throughout the entire value chain including the aftermarket, it seems there is scant regard, in the subsequent report, to the importance of the multi-brand aftermarket to the automotive industry, to its role within the automobile economy or to its contribution to achieving the goals of the European Union.

“Competition, competitiveness, safety and environmental protection must be ensured not only in the development and production of vehicles but throughout their operating lives”, says FIGIEFA president Michel Vilatte.

FIGIEFA calls for a holistic approach in the second part of the CARS 21 process in 2012, which should include a sharper focus on aftermarket service activities and their contribution to the sustainable development of the automotive sector. An effective and functioning aftermarket can guarantee competitive maintenance and repair costs for consumers and the consequent implications for the environmental performance and safety of automotive products have obvious benefits for the European economy and society as a whole.

CARS 21 highlights a number of technological advances which will have positive consequences for preparing tomorrow’s mobility solutions. However, important new technological advances such as the emergency call system eCall and new developments towards the “interconnected car” will only be tackled in the next phase. In light of this, FIGIEFA urges that concrete action be taken to ensure free consumer choice, fair competition and therefore an open market in in-vehicle telematics services and equitable access to technical information. 

For further information, please contact Shane Ryan at the FIGIEFA Secretariat on +32 2 761 95 12 or shane.ryan@figiefa.eu. 

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FIGIEFA is the European federation of independent automotive aftermarket distributors. It represents the interests of 24 national trade associations of retailers and wholesalers of automotive replacement parts and components and their associated repair chains from 21 countries worldwide. Founded in 1956, FIGIEFA's interest lies in safeguarding free competition in the aftermarket at European and international level.