Bucharest, October 17, 2024 — Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu delivered a speech today at the Sustainable and Accessible Mobility Forum in Bucharest, organised by the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Importers of Romania (APIA) on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. The forum brought together key figures from Romania’s automotive sector as well as international stakeholders, to discuss the future of sustainable mobility.
In his remarks, Ciolacu highlighted Romania’s automotive industry as a crucial component of the national economy, underlining the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility while ensuring the sector’s continued growth.
Re-industrialisation Plan for Romania’s Automotive Sector
The Prime Minister introduced the government’s “Re-industrialisation of the Economy” plan, which aims to position Romania as a technology and innovation hub in Southeast Europe over the next decade. The plan focuses on attracting investment to the automotive sector, improving infrastructure, and promoting the research and development of electric and autonomous vehicles.
“We are committed to supporting the automotive industry, which is a major contributor to Romania’s GDP and plays a key role in exports,” Ciolacu said. “This plan will help transform Romania into a leader in automotive technology.”
Ciolacu pointed to a significant increase in automotive production in 2024, with Dacia and Ford Otosan plants in Romania producing over 600,000 vehicles annually. This, he noted, has bolstered Romania’s position in the European car market. The Prime Minister also emphasised the success of the “Rabla” car scrappage scheme, which has contributed to the renewal of Romania’s vehicle fleet by removing older, more polluting cars from circulation.
The Prime Minister projected that the market share of electrified vehicles will grow by over 24% in 2024, with pure-electric cars accounting for 13% of total sales.
While reaffirming Romania’s commitment to decarbonisation, Ciolacu cautioned against policies that might harm economic growth, particularly in the automotive sector. He emphasised the need for a balanced approach that prioritises both environmental sustainability and economic development.
“The transition to a green economy must not hinder the growth of our automotive sector,” Ciolacu stated. “We must ensure that our efforts to protect the environment do not negatively impact economic stability.”
Warning of Potential Risks to the Automotive Industry
The Prime Minister raised concerns about the challenges facing the automotive industry in the coming years, specifically regarding the potential for job losses if the sector does not receive adequate support. He urged the European Commission to take a more sustainable approach to the industry’s future, citing concerns about layoffs and industry decline in the absence of intervention.
“The automotive industry is a vital part of our economy,” Ciolacu stressed. “Without targeted support, we could see significant job losses and setbacks in both Romania and Europe.”
In closing, Ciolacu called for stronger collaboration between Romania, the European Commission, and the European Parliament to ensure the continued success of the automotive sector. He suggested that former European Commissioner and MEP, Mrs. Vălean, could play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the Romanian government, the European Union, and the automotive industry.
Editor: Andreea Gudin
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