The Motor Show at Heysel is a must for enthusiast Georges-Louis Bouchez. He spoke at the Febiac automobile federation and visited the Stellantis car group, known for brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Opel.
“People simply need their car to go to work, drive their children around or do their shopping. I will never target motorists,” he stated.
“Politicians should not make technical choices on behalf of the automotive sector,” said Georges-Louis Bouchez to a packed room at Febiac. “They don't have the expertise for that. What they can do is set objectives, for example on CO₂ and fine particles. I support the principle of technological neutrality, whereby the automotive industry itself proposes solutions to meet the targets set by policymakers.”
According to him, “Europe was wrong to introduce a ban on combustion engines from 2035, even though that decision has since been somewhat relaxed. Switching to 100% electric is not realistic and consumers must be able to keep choosing. The European car industry was once world number one, but as a result of poor political decisions it now has to compete with China, which produces nearly 70% of the world's electric cars.”
In Brussels, Les Engagés, PS, Ecolo and DéFI are meanwhile trying to sideline the MR, winner of the elections, in order to form a left-wing coalition. A coalition that wants to introduce a car tax in the capital, continue the controversial Good Move mobility plan and strictly enforce the low-emission zone (LEZ), which would prevent many citizens from using their older vehicles.
“People who work in Brussels, who have to drive their children to school or activities, or simply do their shopping, will be penalised by these decisions,” explains Georges-Louis Bouchez. “Motorists must not be penalised with new taxes.”
As always, the MR President toured the manufacturers' stands. At Stellantis, he was welcomed by the CEO and management team, with whom he discussed the major challenges facing the European car industry. At Mercedes-Benz, Georges-Louis Bouchez also showed interest in the Car of the Year: the new CLA.