Benjamin Krieger

"Time to start drinking?" 🍷Kaja Kallas’ joke about US tariffs drew nervous laughter in Brussels. But for the industrial base, the reality is sobering. While debates circle inside the bubble, automotive suppliers are bleeding: 🚨 104,000 job losses announced since 2024. 📉 That’s 140 jobs per day. We don't need a drink - we need a strategy. Read my latest editorial here: linkedin.com/pulse/sobering…

‘It is a quite unprecedented situation . . . we haven’t stopped the bleeding,’ said trade body Clepa, as auto suppliers suffer from low demand and fierce competition from Chinese rivals. ft.trib.al/ePURl6k

🚗 EU Automotive Package: first step, but more needed On 16 Dec, the Commission unveiled its Automotive Package – a move CLEPA sees as a step toward tech neutrality. Plug‑in hybrids, range extenders & ICE vehicles may remain beyond 2035, with a revised 90% CO₂ target. But measures are complex, costly & fall short of safeguarding EU jobs & competitiveness. CLEPA calls for robust local content policies + a truly tech‑neutral framework to balance climate ambition with industrial resilience. 👉 Full statement: shorturl.at/MLD6p @CLEPAsecgen

🚗 Europe’s automotive backbone faces disrupted times. 🔑 Progress hinges on a tech‑neutral CO₂ regulation that drives diverse solutions for the green transition and local content requirements that reboot markets and build know‑how for clean mobility and future innovation. 👉 Learn more in the #CLEPADataDigest: bit.ly/49G2y0U

🚗Modern car models might get the spotlight in flashy exhibitions. But Europe’s green shift truly starts in manufacturing. 🇪🇺Our region must be more than a showroom for clean tech – it must be the factory floor. Read the Editorial here: clepa.eu/insights-updat… @CLEPAsecgen

🚀 The wait is over! 🌟Meet the Top Innovators of the CLEPA Innovation Awards 2025, helping shape the future of European mobility. ➡️Learn more here: clepainnovationawards.eu #CLEPAawards2025

❗️The risk of any transition is to lose value chains. Europe must be more than a showroom for clean tech – it must be the factory floor. ⬇️Read my latest Editorial here: linkedin.com/pulse/europes-…

🚘 Cars are now smart devices powered by data, and AI. Collaboration, agility, and strong policy are key to bringing connected & autonomous vehicles to market. Yesterday, the #ECAVA pre-steering committee met EVP @HennaVirkkunen to boost Europe’s leadership in #CAV tech.

🚗 The challenge isn’t technological—it’s political. At @IAAmobility, suppliers showcase cutting-edge innovations, but narrow EU rules risk blocking them in a tough global race. 👉Read @CLEPAsecgen's Editorial ahead of the Strategic Dialogue with President @vonderleyen: shorturl.at/ULUHD

Grateful to Commissioner @tzitzikostas & @Transport_EU for a constructive exchange on #GreeningFleets. 🍃👩‍🏭To meet climate goals and strengthen Europe’s industry, we need: ✅ Tech-neutral ZEV definition ✅ Aligned rules ✅ Flexible, market-based tools ✅ Strong EU manufacturing base ✅ Enablers: infra, energy, finance #DrivingAmbition2Action | @CLEPAsecgen

🔴 Automotive suppliers hit twice by U.S. tariffs on vehicles and car parts @CLEPA_eu emphasised the urgent need for a balanced transatlantic trade relationship during a high-level meeting with @EU_Commission President @vonderleyen. 📰PRESS RELEASE⬇️clepa.eu/insights-updat…

Automotive suppliers are bracing for a new reality in European trade. Trump's tariffs put at risk one fourth of EU's trade surplus 📉, while Chinese imports continue to rise. Find out more here: bit.ly/43SFB7A #CLEPADataDigest

🔴 The Automotive Action Plan takes first steps but misses key supplier needs. ➡️ Urgent action is required to secure jobs, innovation, and competitiveness: 🔹 Ensure CO2 regulation review in 2025 leads to real technology neutrality 🔹 Deliver a legislative proposal on in-vehicle data access without delay 🔹 Set a clear regulatory timeline for autonomous vehicle deployment 🔹 Strengthen fair competition in the aftermarket with decisive reforms 📢 Europe’s industrial future is at stake. Policymakers must turn commitments into action—now! 📰 Read our PRESS RELEASE here: shorturl.at/cUvpM #automotivesuppliers #DrivingAmbition2Action

🔴#StrategicDialogue: Technology diversity is the only long-term solution With 2035 fast approaching, Europe risks falling behind unless it embraces a broader technological bridge towards electrification—including plug-in hybrids, range extenders, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels: shorturl.at/80O4O #DrivingAmbition2Action #automotivesuppliers

The Strategic Dialogue comes at a pivotal moment, as regulatory pressure, global competition, and weak vehicle demand have strained the industry, slowing business, reducing investment capacity, and impacting the workforce. Only in 2024, automotive suppliers announced 54,000 job losses: shorturl.at/VBK9k