Concerned about the employment situation in the European automotive sector CARS 21 stakeholders have met for a High Level Conference and agreed on conclusions on how to foster a competitive European car industry. All participants shared the need to position European car industry as global leader in clean, safe and affordable vehicles as they way ahead for safeguarding jobs and living up to the climate change challenge. The conference underlined that carmakers in the EU need to be able to compete on fair terms in international markets. A task force to promote "green" cars will be set up, which should bring together all relevant stakeholders to explore technical, regulatory and economic hurdles and suggest ways forward for such vehicles.

(IP/08/1598)