The B2B platform for full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Industry News

The 2nd European Automotive Forum organised in Brussels last week explained how low emission cars have achieved turning the hype into reality in Europe. Car manufacturers stressed that the financial crisis was putting a lot of pressure on the automotive sector, yet the industry is confident about its future. (+photo gallery)

European car manufacturers gathered at an annual European meeting at the Brussels Auto Show last week where they discussed prospects for cars’ electrification. They agreed that hybridization will continue until they reach sooner or later the ultimate eco-car. Due to the worldwide financial crisis, car manufacturers suffered from sharp decrease in sales and an over capacity in production volumes. The EU suffered a –21% decrease and the USA saw their sales going as low as –47%. China alone increased its global car production by 34%. Car manufacturers predict a slow growth in 2010, estimated at about 3-4%.

Electric mobility positive development prospects

Car makers are supporting reduction in CO₂ emissions from cars and thus support electric mobility. In order to make the most of it, car makers called for “getting the framework right” by expanding the infrastructure for electric vehicles and by implementing a harmonised CO₂-emissions based taxation system.

Against this context, Portugal was singled out for its investment on infrastructure. Scrappage schemes were also praised for driving consumer demand in Germany and France, as opposed to Belgium, Finland and Slovenia were they underperformed due to inadequate marketing.

Regarding the future of electrification, Toyota claimed that the hybrid technology is the common threat that will take us to eco-driving. The best known model from Toyota, Prius is expected to reach 1 million sold units per year as from 2012. Renault will introduce 4 fully electric vehicles in 2011 and at a later stage will also look at the two-wheelers market. Thanks to car decarbonisation, Renault expexts a positive GDP output over the next 10-20 years.