"Within the EU, twelve million families live off the car industry. Today the car industry is faced with remarkable challenges, including increased competition and corporate shakedowns, but it also offers incredible opportunities": Vladimir Spidla, commissioner for employment and social affairs, explains the meaning of the partnership that has been set up within the EU between public organisations, private companies and trade unions, the purpose of which is to "anticipate and control changes within the industry", i.e. the changes that are going on in the world markets and the emergency of climate change, since road traffic is one of the greatest polluting factors. The car industry directly employees over 2 million people in the 27 EU member states, plus about 10 million indirect workers; they account for 3% of the EU’s Gross Domestic Product and contribute 60 billion euros to the EU’s exports. "The car industry adds Spidla is a major resource of prosperity, work and innovation within the Union. We have to ensure that this strategic industry remains competitive and provides employment, while keeping making progress in the area of safety, environmental respect, all this at reasonable prices. (continued)
