The impact of the coronavirus on the automotive industry
19.3.2020
Question for written answer E-001706/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Susana Solís Pérez (Renew), Luis Garicano (Renew), María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos (Renew), Maite Pagazaurtundúa (Renew), Adrián Vázquez Lázara (Renew), José Ramón Bauzá Díaz (Renew), Jordi Cañas (Renew)
European industry is being ravaged by the coronavirus outbreak. The automotive industry is particularly vulnerable to unexpected lulls and delays, as the timely delivery of parts to factories is paramount in order to avoid having to keep a large amount of stock in storage. Furthermore, many vehicle manufacturers do not have several suppliers on whom they can call, hence the assembly line lull is having an even greater impact on them.
Given that Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus, is an important hub for the automotive industry, and that a number of vehicle manufacturers have suspended production or closed plants, can the Commission say:
- 1.What is it doing to evaluate the short and medium-term effect of COVID-19 on the automotive industry, albeit it is still too early to quantify the exact impact?
- 2.In its view, is there a risk of certain regulatory obligations currently in force being violated? What action is it considering taking in this regard?
- 3.How could this outbreak affect future EU legislation on the automotive industry?