Potočnik challenges car industry to go green

Helmut List, vice-chairman of the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC) said he is fully convinced by the necessity of investing in the electrification of Europe's transport system. He said the current crisis cannot be solved without cooperation between the automotive industry and governments. 

"We are very committed to the green car initiative. The public and private sectors must share the risk for such a major long-term investment. We have to jump at the same time," he said.

Also speaking at the ERTRAC conference was Ingolf Sch ä dler,  deputy director-general for innovation at Austria's federal ministry for transport, innovation and technology. He said it is important to include all stakeholders in finding green transport solutions, particularly cities and regional authorities. He called for greater clarification from industry on how to get value for public investments. 

"There is uncertainty among public authorities as to which technology to invest in. There are so many solutions now that we need the industry to give a clear signal as to what the right solution is for each problem," he said.

Nevio Di Giusto, president and CEO of Centro Ricerche FIAT, said it remains unclear whether electric cars would provide the long-term solution to Europe's transport needs.

"Although it is still unclear whether the simple concept of the plug-in car will prove to be the optimal solution given all the different requirements; it does correspond to a feasible, transitory solution which can be exploited in the medium term."