FIA Region I represents consumers and mobility users across Europe, advocating for safe, sustainable, affordable, and accessible mobility solutions. As the European automotive industry undergoes a major transformation driven by electrification, digitalization, and regulatory changes, it is crucial to ensure that this transition prioritizes consumer interests, fair competition, and long-term sustainability.

Ensuring consumer-centric policies

The transformation of the European automotive industry must not come at the expense of consumers. FIA calls for:

• Affordability and market access: The transition to electromobility must include access to affordable vehicle options, particularly for lower-income consumers. Policymakers should consider all levers available at national and European levels to facilitate the uptake of greener vehicles, focusing on the second-hand market. Additionally, significant investments should be made in the production, availability, and affordability of renewable electricity to ensure that EV running costs remain manageable for consumers.
• Fair digitalization: As vehicles become increasingly connected, users must retain full control over their data. FIA strongly supports regulations that guarantee user choice and fair access to in-vehicle data, preventing monopolistic control by manufacturers.
• Repairability and “Right to Repair”: Consumers must have access to affordable and independent repair services. Legislation should ensure that third-party repairers and service providers can continue to operate under fair conditions. A specific focus should be placed on the repairability of electric vehicle batteries, ensuring that they can be maintained, refurbished, or replaced at reasonable costs to extend the lifespan of EVs and avoid unnecessary waste.

Addressing infrastructure and charging challenges

• Affordable and widespread charging: Public charging costs remain a significant barrier to EV adoption. The European automotive transition must ensure fair pricing and transparent billing, preventing excessive markups on public charging stations. Particular attention must be given to addressing the issue of roaming prices, which currently lead to inconsistent and often higher costs for EV users when charging outside their home networks.
• Comprehensive infrastructure investment: While EV adoption is growing, charging infrastructure deployment remains uneven across Europe. The industry must work alongside policymakers to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas and ensure universal access.

A balanced approach to environmental and industrial policies

• Lifecycle emissions perspective: The push for zero-emission vehicles should consider full lifecycle emissions, including production and disposal impacts. Sustainable battery production and recycling should be a top priority.
• Technology-neutral transition: While electrification is a key pillar of the industry’s future, policymakers must avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Investments in alternative fuels should remain part of the strategy.

Conclusion and recommendations

The future of the European automotive industry must balance technological innovation, consumer rights, and environmental sustainability. We urge the European Commission to:

• Ensure affordability and fair competition in the automotive market.
• Guarantee fair access to in-vehicle data for consumers and independent service providers.
• Invest in infrastructure that supports all users, not just early adopters.
• Address the affordability and accessibility of renewable electricity to support a sustainable transition.
• Adopt a lifecycle emissions approach that ensures real environmental benefits.

FIA Region I remains committed to engaging in this discussion and advocating for policies that prioritize mobility users and a fair automotive market.