President of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) Dieter Zetsche (Daimler) has said that the
automotive market situation is expected to remain mixed in 2011, with strong demand in the so-called BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) while the economic situation in
Europe is likely to keep dampening new passenger car sales in this region. Commercial vehicle sales in
Europe may record relatively strong growth, however, against the backdrop of the low market levels due to the recent crisis, Mr. Zetsche said.
Mr. Zetsche reflected on the situation in the more mature
automotive markets such as the EU, as well as the prospected surge in vehicle demand in developing economies. Zetsche summarized the challenges for the European auto industry in two key questions: "First, how do we fulfil the growing demand for automobiles sustainably? Second, how do we make sure that
Europe is a key player in doing so?" The answers, he said, are in the main ACEA priorities for this year: "Win on free trade; keep cutting emissions; and put "CARS 21" in the fast lane."
As part of the European Commission's modern industrial policy, the CARS 21 (Competitive
Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st century) process, which was initially launched in 2005, aims to make recommendations for the short-, medium-, and long-term public policy and regulatory framework of the European
automotive industry.