Skip to main content

Eucar calls for targeted support for automotive research and innovation initiatives

The European Council for Automotive R&D (Eucar) has called for a number of priority automotive research and innovation (R&I) initiatives in Horizon 2020 to support competitive and sustainable road transport and for these initiatives to be supported by a substantial budget that reflects the sector’s social and economic contribution to Europe. Rémi Bastien, chairman of Eucar, set out the association’s recommendations on Horizon 2020 to an audience of MEPs and stakeholders at a seminar in the European Parliame
June 21, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
The European Council for Automotive Research & Development (Eucar) has called for a number of priority automotive research and innovation (R&I) initiatives in Horizon 2020 to support competitive and sustainable road transport and for these initiatives to be supported by a substantial budget that reflects the sector’s social and economic contribution to Europe.

Rémi Bastien, chairman of Eucar, set out the association’s recommendations on Horizon 2020 to an audience of MEPs and stakeholders at a seminar in the European Parliament. Horizon 2020 is the EU’s Framework Programme for Research & Innovation from 2014-2020. Presenting the recommendations, Bastien highlighted the importance of Horizon 2020 for automotive R&I.

He called for the proposed €80 billion (US$101.32 billion) Horizon 2020 budget to be maintained and for the legislation to be finalised as soon as possible.

To support automotive R&I effectively, Eucar says a suitable budget for automotive initiatives in Horizon 2020 is necessary. This should reflect the automotive industry’s direct contribution of 6.9 per cent to European GDP and road transport’s status as a cornerstone of European society, free movement and economic activity. Eucar therefore calls for a budget share of Horizon 2020 to be devoted to automotive R&I initiatives, which corresponds to the industry's direct contribution to the EU economy, saying it is essential to support the objectives of smarter, cleaner, safer and more integrated road transport and to support the global competitiveness of the European automotive sector.

Related Content

  • IRU and UITP join forces to promote sustainable mobility
    October 10, 2014
    The International Road Transport Union (IRU) and International Association of Public Transport (UITP), the two largest global road and public transport federations, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate and jointly advocate solutions to meet modern mobility challenges worldwide. Supported by an annual Working Programme, the MoU sets the basis for cooperation on policy issues of common interest in public transport including taxis, education and professional training, social dialogue
  • Cost Benefit: There’s still life in the RSU
    May 24, 2021
    A mixture of mobile and static roadside units may be what’s required to fulfil the needs of connected vehicle communications
  • Moving in the right direction: promoting sustainable transport in European Mobility Week
    September 10, 2012
    European Mobility Week (16-22 September 2012) sees the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) reaffirming its stance that a long-term commitment to invest in public transport is key to reducing congestion in European cities and encouraging the development of sustainable economies. With around 80% of Europeans expected to be living in urban environments by 2020, public transport is essential for ensuring quality of life and delivering green growth. Encouraging a modal shift from private motori
  • Russia's high speed toll link - aims and opportunities
    July 31, 2012
    Construction of a new toll link between the Russian capital of Moscow and the country's second-largest city, the port of St Petersburg, is due to start in 2012. Here, ITS International takes look at the project to date and the opportunities for foreign companies to get involved. The construction of a new toll link between the Russian capital Moscow and the country's second-largest city St Petersburg has a number of aims. It will lead to the creation of a high-speed vehicular link between the two which will