BRUSSELS, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- European automobile manufactures and the European Commission launched a new initiative Thursday to increase the competitiveness of the European car industry.
The initiative, "Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st Century -- CARS 21," announced Thursday by the European Commission, will be run by member states, trade unions, NGO's, the commission and European Parliament.
The group is planning to develop an integrated strategy to build the European automotive industry, by developing the best possible regulatory approaches and increasing innovation. The first meeting will be held in March 2005.
"I am convinced that the EU can compete if we offer better quality, better technology and better services," said Gunter Verheugen, vice-president of the European Commission.
"The European automotive industry wants to be a strong partner of a strong Europe," Bernd Pishetsrieder, president of the European Automobile Manufactures Association said. "I appreciate the common efforts to enhance Europe as an efficient, stable, competitive and profile home market for our industry ensuring the full and rapid completion of the internal market."
The EU automotive industry has lagged behind the United States and Japan in terms of productivity. The EU productivity level is 25 percent lower than the United States and 30 percent lower than Japan.
