Events

In our calendar, you can find all the events organised or sponsored by the EU-Japan Centre, as well as other events related to EU-Japan relations.

26/10/2010 - Tokyo, Japan

Towards the Improvement of the Green Car Environment : Latest Policy Developments and Possibility for Cooperation between EU and Japan ()

On Tuesday, 26 October 2010, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation organised a seminar on “Towards the Improvement of the Green Car Environment : Latest Policy Developments and Possibility for Cooperation between EU and Japan" with interventions by:

• Mr. Philippe Jean, Head of the Automotive Unit, Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry, European Commission.
• Mr. Shigeaki Tanaka, Director, Automotive Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
• Mr. Anthony Millington, Director General, Tokyo Office, European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).
• Mr. Yoshihiro Yano, Director General, International Department, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Inc. (JAMA).

Both the EU and Japan are implementing various actions at a legislative and financial level (in April 2010, the EU issued its “Clean and Efficient Vehicles” strategy in the EU and Japan its “Next Generation Auto Strategy”) to favour the development of green vehicles through R&D (to improve in particular battery), the development of infrastructure, of the regulatory framework, of standards (international cooperation), and through financial incentives to reduce their selling price. The debate underlined the existing and potential cooperation between the EU and Japan, particularly in the area of harmonisation and international standards (World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP29)), and in various organisations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Such a cooperation will contribute to the wider use of next-generation/green vehicles in the global market. At the industrial level, European and Japanese automakers are already expanding their network of corporate alliances for the development and manufacture of eco-friendly vehicles (tie-ups between Suzuki and Volkswagen; Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot-Citroën; Nissan and Daimler). In the coming months, the EU-Japan Business Round Table will discuss recommendations to Public Authorities in this field.

This seminar was attended by more than 80 people from the business sector, Industrial Federations, EU Member States Embassies, Japanese Government and Public Organisations. The discussion gave the opportunity to the audience to ask questions on two main topics: (1) the plans of the Japanese government for tax exemptions after the current ones lapse in March 2012 and (2) the ability of Japan to impose globally its standards in the green car sector.

Details:

• Mr. Philippe Jean presented the EU “Clean and Energy Efficient Vehicles” strategy (April 2010) for the development of green vehicles. A set of measures are being adopted: regulatory framework (eco-innovation, reduction of noise emissions, etc.); actions performed to support research and innovation in green technologies and financial incentives. A European Sectoral Council on Jobs and Skills will be created in 2011 and a mid-term review of the CO2 emissions legislation is planned. The EU is willing to promote all types of fuel efficient vehicles (conventional engines and new generation vehicles). Complementary and incentive measures are also taken at Member State level (e.g. fiscal incentives). The CARS 21 (Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st century) process has just been re-launched. It aims to make recommendations for the short-, medium-, and long-term public policy and regulatory framework of the European automotive industry. This framework enhances global competitiveness and employment, while sustaining further progress in safety and environmental performance at an affordable price for the consumer.
  Presentation
• Mr. Shigeaki Tanaka indicated that automobile sales in Japan have recovered in 2010 compared to last year’s situation, mainly thanks to eco-car subsidies, temporary tax reductions/exemptions. In order to maintain and strengthen the environmental responsiveness and competitiveness of industry, efforts are now being made to enhance the performance and decrease the cost of batteries at the development stage, and to improve the environment for the use of Electric Vehicles (EV) and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHV) (develop charging infrastructure, promote international standardisation, etc.). In fiscal year 2010, the government has budgeted 13.7 billion Yen subsidies to promote the introduction of clean energy vehicles. The “Next generation Auto Strategy 2010”, issued in April 2010 by METI, is based on 6 strategies to develop vehicles of the future: (1) An overall strategy to make Japan the base for the development and production of next generation vehicles; (2) a battery strategy; (3) a resources strategy; (4) a strategy for the improvement of infrastructure; (5) systems strategy; (6) an international standardisation strategy (CHAdeMO Protocol). Additionally, the promotion of EV and PHV is done at local level to create an initial demand (experience driving, rental car business, etc.).
  Presentation (EN)
  Presentation (JA)
• Mr. Anthony Millington, after detailing the various challenges faced by the European automotive industry (such as the efforts to build alliances for a better R&D; a limited access to finance; increasing environmental concerns, etc.), underlined the positive feedback from ACEA to the Communication on “Clean and Energy Efficient Vehicles”. But there are still improvements to be done to develop fuel efficiency and breakthrough technologies. According to ACEA, key conditions for success involve (1) a supportive long-term policy environment; (2) a recharging infrastructure; (3) customer acceptance; (4) policy coordination; (5) standardisation, as well as the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders with EU policy makers. EU-Japan cooperation on e-mobility is desirable, with the aim to develop worldwide standards.
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• Mr. Yoshihiro Yano underlined that, in spite of existing efforts done by the Japanese car industry, continuous support measures from the government are necessary to achieve the diffusion target for next-generation alternative-energy passengers cars. A deeper EU-Japan cooperation for international harmonisation and standardisation will contribute to the wider use of next-generation/green vehicles. At the industrial level, European and Japanese automakers are expanding their network of corporate alliances for the development and manufacture of eco-friendly vehicles (tie-ups between Suzuki and Volkswagen; Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot-Citroën; Nissan and Daimler).
  Presentation

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