The European Commission’s Industrial Action Plan for the European Automotive Sector, unveiled on 5 March, comes at a crucial time for an industry undergoing profound transformation. The plan acknowledges the challenges posed by electrification, digitalisation, and sustainability while seeking to strengthen Europe’s competitive position in the global automotive market.
However, from the perspective of the FIA European Bureau (EB), which represents consumers and mobility users across Europe, the plan falls short in several key areas. Without a more inclusive, consumer-focused approach, the transition risks being shaped exclusively by the interests of players rather than by the broader ecosystem of stakeholders, including independent service providers, repairers, and—most importantly—car users.
Innovation and digitalisation: ensuring fair access to in-vehicle data
One of the most glaring omissions in the Action Plan is the lack of a firm commitment to sector-specific legislation on access to in-vehicle data. Modern vehicles generate vast amounts of data that can improve safety, efficiency, and user experience. However, control over this data remains monopolised by vehicle manufacturers, who determine access terms and conditions. This restricts competition, stifles innovation, and ultimately limits consumer choice.
While the Action Plan recognises the importance of digitalisation, it defers any regulatory intervention on in-vehicle data by referring to the broader Data Act—a horizontal framework that does not address the sector-specific challenges of the automotive industry. This is a missed opportunity. Without clear, enforceable rules, independent service providers—including repairers, insurers, and mobility service providers—face obstacles in accessing the data necessary to provide competitive services. This leads to higher costs, reduced service quality, and fewer choices for consumers.
One of the most glaring omissions in the Action Plan is the lack of a firm commitment to sector-specific legislation on access to in-vehicle data
For the past decade, the FIA EB has advocated for clear and binding sector-specific legislation to guarantee consumer choice and fair market access. In the absence of binding legislation, consumers are already facing the costs of a closed data ecosystem heavily controlled by vehicle manufacturers. Now more than ever, we urge the Commission to act in favour of European consumer rights and free market principles.
Affordability and market access: the risks of an exclusive transition
The shift towards zero-emission vehicles is a fundamental aspect of the Action Plan, reinforcing Europe’s climate ambitions and the Green Deal objectives. However, this transition must not come at the expense of affordability and accessibility. Currently, the high upfront costs of electric vehicles (EVs) pose a major barrier, particularly for middle- and lower-income consumers, as well as for the development of the second-hand EV market.
The Commission’s decision to extend the compliance period for 2025 CO₂ emission targets from one year to three years offers flexibility to automakers, it also risks slowing down the production and affordability of EVs. A well-functioning market requires strong incentives and regulatory certainty to drive investment in cost-effective EV production.
Moreover, access to fair financing and leasing options for EVs must be a priority. Consumers should be able to transition to sustainable mobility without facing prohibitive costs, ensuring that affordability does not become a bottleneck in the green transition.
Fair digitalisation and the Right to Repair: protecting consumer rights
The increasing digitalisation of vehicles also raises concerns about repairability and maintenance costs. Many modern vehicles incorporate software locks and proprietary technology that make repairs exclusively dependent on the manufacturer. This not only restricts consumer choice but also undermines sustainability by discouraging repairs in favour of costly replacements.
The Right to Repair must be an integral part of the automotive transition. Independent repairers must have fair access to technical information, diagnostic tools, and spare parts to compete with manufacturer-controlled services. This is particularly critical for EV batteries, which must be maintainable and replaceable at reasonable costs to ensure long-term sustainability.
The FIA EB calls on the Commission to strengthen consumer rights by implementing clear regulations that guarantee fair competition in the repair and maintenance sector. Without these protections, consumers will face higher costs, limited service options, and shorter vehicle lifespans, possibly undermining the environmental and safety benefits of fleet renewal.
Investing in infrastructure: the backbone of a sustainable transition
The success of the automotive transition heavily depends on the availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure. The Commission’s plan acknowledges this but does not go far enough in addressing existing disparities across Europe. Rural areas, in particular, remain underserved, creating a two-speed transition where urban residents have significantly greater access to charging solutions than those in less densely populated areas.
The success of the automotive transition heavily depends on the availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure
Public charging costs also remain a major concern. The lack of pricing transparency and significant price differences between home charging and public charging create additional barriers for consumers. Roaming fees, which result in higher costs when using different charging networks, further complicate the user experience.
To address these challenges, we encourage the Commission to:
- Expand charging infrastructure investments, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
- Ensure fair and transparent pricing mechanisms, preventing excessive markups and ensuring cost parity between home and public charging.
- Harmonize charging standards to facilitate cross-border travel and seamless user experiences.
Conclusion and recommendations
The future of Europe’s automotive industry depends on policies that strike the right balance between technological innovation, consumer protection, and sustainability. While the Industrial Action Plan is a step in the right direction, it requires substantial refinements to ensure a fair and competitive transition for all stakeholders.
To achieve this, the FIA EB urges the EU to:
- Guarantee fair access to in-vehicle data through sector-specific legislation that prevents monopolistic control and promotes consumer choice.
- Ensure affordability and accessibility by supporting financial incentives, leasing schemes, and a robust second-hand EV market.
- Strengthen the Right to Repair, ensuring that independent repairers have fair access to essential vehicle data and parts.
- Invest in comprehensive and fair charging infrastructure, ensuring universal access and transparent pricing.
The FIA EB remains committed to advocating for a mobility transition that prioritizes consumers, fosters competition, and safeguards Europe’s automotive future. By addressing these critical issues, the EU can ensure that the transformation of the sector is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial for all mobility users.
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