Mobility Matters: Strengthening Europe’s Automotive Industrial Plan
The European Commission’s Automotive Industrial Plan acknowledges the sector’s challenges and proposes measures to enhance competitiveness. As the industry at the heart of mobility, the European tyre manufacturing industry welcomes the recognition that urgent action is needed to safeguard Europe’s competitiveness and sustainability.
However, if we are to secure Europe's industrial leadership, a more ambitious and inclusive approach is essential—one that considers the actors and stakeholders in the automotive ecosystem, including the tyre industry.
Tyres are not just another vehicle component; they determine a vehicle’s performances when it comes to safety, impact on environment, consumption or battery duration. Indeed, without the tyre the vehicle, and economy, does not move.
Now more than ever, we need a policy framework that supports the industry in Europe, enhances our competitiveness, promotes sustainability, and enables innovation.
More clarity on in-vehicle data access
The tyre industry, like other independent service providers, relies on real-time vehicle data to develop innovative solutions, improve safety, and enhance customer experience.
The Commission's proposal to consider further action only after assessing the Data Act's effects delays the potential benefits that could be reaped from establishing a robust framework for immediate data access.
Balance policy ambitions with business predictability
Tyres are the most regulated part of the vehicle, covering safety, environmental emissions and circularity, from tyre manufacturing to its end of life, through its performances and use.
Overlapping environmental reporting and compliance obligations across different existing and upcoming EU regulations create inefficiencies and unnecessary burdens.
The Commission’s regulatory simplification package for the automotive industry should simplify implementation to reduce costs and legal uncertainties and make investing in R&D and producing in Europe more attractive.
Enhance recycling opportunities
The Commission’s commitment to a fact-finding exercise to gather input from market participant on recycling is a step in the right direction, but without clear timelines and concrete policy incentives, progress will remain slow.
The tyre industry has long been at the forefront of sustainable innovation. One example is retreading, which significantly reduce the need for virgin raw materials and lower emissions associated with tyre production.
Policies should encourage the adoption of retreaded tyres, help expand the secondary materials market by harmonising End-of-Waste criteria for tyre-derived materials, and improve extended producer responsibility schemes.
Expand critical raw material strategies
The plan’s focus on critical raw materials is too narrow, prioritising battery production while overlooking natural rubber.
Rubber is essential for tyres and numerous automotive components, from wiper blades to seals and electrical insulation, collectively weighing as much as the four tyres combined.
Ensuring a predictable and secure supply of rubber, a material subject to global supply chain vulnerabilities, is vital for supporting European production. and maintaining competitiveness and mobility.
Integrate tyre performance into fleet decarbonisation policies
The Commission’s proposal on decarbonising corporate fleets provides an opportunity to support the transition to sustainable mobility.
However, tyres are a crucial component in reducing emissions and improving fleet efficiency. High-performance tyres can decrease fuel consumption by up to 7.5%, resulting in CO₂ reductions.
Policies should promote the adoption of high-performance, energy-efficient tyres and incentivise retreading as a sustainable practice to extend tyre lifespan and reduce waste.
A Call for a Holistic Approach
A competitive, sustainable, and resilient automotive sector depends on the inclusion of all the actors in the ecosystem.
The announced dialogues with industry players should not overlook the importance of tyres in vehicle efficiency, road safety, and sustainability.
ETRMA remains committed to engaging with the Commission and stakeholders to take decisive action that strengthens the entire mobility ecosystem—including the tyre industry—so that European manufacturing remains resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive.
Adam McCarthy
ETRMA Secretary General
