In his recent address at the VI Anfac Forum, Josep Maria Recasens, who is the Director of Strategy, Product, and Programs at Renault Group and President of Renault Group Spain, highlighted the critical situation facing the European automotive industry. He pointed out that Europe is lagging, particularly with regard to regulatory frameworks that should be implemented to ensure fair competition with China. Recasens stressed the importance of leveraging the knowledge and capital obtained from the ongoing transformation of the industry, drawing comparisons to successful past reforms in Spain's automotive sector.

Recasens further criticized the delay in political decisions pertaining to the sector, particularly in light of the upcoming European elections scheduled for June 2024, which he believes have hampered prompt action. He called for urgent reforms and strategic direction to avoid becoming obsolete in the competitive automotive landscape, suggesting that without immediate action, Europe might miss an opportunity to strengthen its position.

With the automotive industry undergoing significant changes, Recasens’ comments reflect a broader concern about the competitiveness of European manufacturers against international competitors, particularly from China. His remarks underline the necessity for cohesive European policies that can address these challenges effectively and sustain the industry’s growth.