EUCAR sets out R&I objectives

Date: 20/6/2012

The European Council for Automotive R&D (EUCAR) has revealed the aims it hopes to achieve through Horizon 2020.

This initiative is the Framework Programme for Research & Innovation from 2014-2020 by the European Union. The recommendations from EUCAR were set out by Chairman of the group Remi Bastien during a seminar at the European Parliament.

His body wants to prioritise some automotive research and innovation (R&I) initiatives in Horizon 2020 to support road transport in a competitive and sustainable way. Furthermore, it believes these initiatives need the support of a "substantial" budget to reflect the social and economic contribution the sector makes in Europe.

The automotive industry makes a direct contribution of 6.9 per cent to European gross domestic product and EUCAR believes the budget the sector receives from Horizon 2020 should reflect this.

Furthermore, the amount of money allocated should take into account "road transport's status as a cornerstone of European society, free movement and economic activity", the body continued.

"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," EUCAR stated.

It believes there should be several areas of priority for R&I initiatives. These include advanced powertrains for increased efficiency, improved safety, advanced materials and manufacturing and heavy duty vehicles and green corridors.

Additionally, it suggested a focus on ICT for mobility and as an enabling technology for manufacturing.

These initiatives would be supported by the three main sectors of Horizon 2020. These are Societal Challenges, Industrial Leadership and Excellent Science.

The organisation added that it gives particular support to "the broad lines set out in the commission's proposals for the programme on Smart, Green and Integrated Transport, as well as the programmes on Energy, Climate/Raw Materials, Information and Communication Technology, Advanced Materials and Advanced Manufacturing and Processing."

EUCAR is owned by its members, which include 14 of Europe's major car, truck and bus manufacturers.

Posted by Mary Treen