European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that she will personally lead a new initiative to help Europe's struggling car industry through a "deep and disruptive transition" that is threatening thousands of jobs.
Von der Leyen has included rescuing Europe's automotive sector among the priorities of his second mandate, which will be aimed at restoring the European Union's economic competitiveness.
"The automotive industry in Europe is a European pride. Millions of jobs depend on it," she told MEPs in Strasbourg who approved her new team.
"We must ensure that the future of cars continues to be made in Europe," the Commission President added.
To that end, Von der Leyen said she would convene a "strategic dialogue on the future of the car industry" in the EU. It will bring around the table the main players in the sector to "develop solutions together as this industry goes through a deep and disruptive transition", she explained.
Europe's automotive industry is in crisis due to high production costs, a delayed shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and strong competition from Chinese companies.
EV sales are lower than expected at a time when carmakers are struggling with stricter EU rules on carbon emissions.
German car giant Volkswagen is trying to push through a major cost-cutting campaign and has warned it may close plants in Germany for the first time in its history - just one in a series of announced cuts by carmakers and suppliers.
Last month, EU countries approved the imposition of high import duties on electric cars made in China, arguing that the state aid Beijing provides to carmakers undercuts European firms.
Today, the European Parliament approved the new von der Leyen Commission by 370 votes to 282, with 36 abstentions. | BGNES, AFP
