Fiat CEO calls COVID-19 ‘biggest single risk ever’ for auto industry
TheCEOof Fiat Chrysler Automobiles saysCOVID19 is the biggest risk the auto industry has ever faced, and he and the association he leads are calling on governments to spend pandemic recovery dollars to boost electric vehicles and other types of alternatively powered cars in order to meet climate goals.
MikeManley, whois also president of the European
AutomobileManufacturers’Association, spoke during an online conference. Anews release from the association noted that car sales in Europe are forecast to drop by a historic 25% in 2020 and that production there is down by 4 million vehicles this year to date.
“TheCOVID pandemic is clearly the biggest single risk ever to face the auto industry. It is adding massive pressures on our sector at a time whenit is navigating fundamental technological shifts, aswell as the prospect of a no-deal Brexit. We urgently need to findways to pull through this withminimum damage to jobs and investments, while at the same time keeping strong focus on the climate challenge,” Manley said, according to the release.
Europe’s climate plan requires massive investments fromthe auto industry, Manley said.
“However, our investments alone will never be enough. Ifwewant zero-emissionmobility to become a real option for all Europeans, we also need a vast network of charging points and refueling stations right across theEU, coupled with economically sustainable incentives,” Manley said, referencing the EuropeanUnion.
The release said the association is calling for government support to be channeled toward these areas to stimulate demand.