Leaseurope engages in EU Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry

On 30 January, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen initiated the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry, bringing together key stakeholders in the automotive value chain.  

Leaseurope took a pivotal part in this strategic dialogue and in ensuring the role of leasing and rental is adequately represented.  

The ultimate goal of this exercise, spurred by geopolitical events as well as economic trends, is to make headway on: 

1. Ensuring a Competitive and Sustainable Industry 

• Helping Europe maintain its global leadership in automotive manufacturing and mobility services. 

• Addressing supply chain challenges and geopolitical risks affecting the industry. 

2. Green and Digital Transition 

• Supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles and meeting EU Green Deal objectives. 

• Promoting investment in charging infrastructure, battery production, and alternative fuels. 

• Enhancing vehicle digitalization (e.g., connected cars, AI-driven mobility, and software-defined vehicles). 

3. Regulatory and Policy Frameworks 

• Aligning EU policies with industry needs to ensure a smooth transition to climate-neutral mobility. 

• Addressing regulatory challenges in leasing, rental, and financing models for new mobility solutions. 

4. Employment and Skills Development 

• Preparing the workforce for EV production, AI-driven mobility, and digital car services. 

• Supporting retraining and upskilling of employees affected by the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. 

5. Boosting Innovation & Investment 

• Facilitating public-private partnerships to drive research in battery technologies, hydrogen, and autonomous mobility. 

• Encouraging investments in new business models like car subscriptions, shared mobility, and leasing. 

Following an opening meeting chaired by Ms. von Der Leyen, results are primarily to be achieved via technical working groups managed and chaired by a handful of Commissioners. Leaseurope was invited by Commissioners Hoekstra, Virkkunen and Ribera within the context of the dialogue. One of the first such meetings was scheduled for February 12 with Commissioner Hoekstra, focused on the transition to clean mobility solutions.  

The Dialogue’s main takeaways, along with a public consultation and focused discussions on key topics are expected to feed the upcoming Action Plan for the Automotive sector, which will be unveiled by Transport Commissioner Tzitzikostas on 5 March. The Action Plan is intended to address a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, such as ensuring access to talent and resources, fostering technological innovation and the development of next-generation vehicles. It is likely the Action Plan will also reference the Greening of Corporate Fleets Initiative.  

In parallel to the dialogue discussions, Leaseurope has been reaching out to a variety of Cabinets, including Commissioners Tzitzikostas and Séjourné as well as Commission senior officials, key members of the European Parliament, in addition to engagement with the Member States in cooperation with Leaseurope members. This is to ensure the voice of leasing and rental is adequately represented across the full spectrum of issues, ranging from VAT deductibility and fiscal treatment of vehicles to second hand market demand.