The European Commission has started a consultation on boosting the competitiveness of the European car industry.

All interested parties are invited to provide their views on the most appropriate regulatory framework to promote the long-term competitiveness of the European automotive sector.

The EC has set up a group called CARS 21 consisting of representatives of member states, the European Parliament, industry, trade unions and the Commission.

The commission is inviting all interested parties to play a part in the consultation.

In particular, it wants to know stakeholders’ views on the interaction between different policies, and how to develop them to maximize the benefits for both economic operators and society.

The consultation will run until April 15, 2005. It will be followed by a hearing of senior-level industry and civil society representatives on April 21.

Details about this consultation and the hearing can be found here.

All the documents submitted by stakeholders will be put on the Commission’s website.

The results of this consultation and the hearing will be part of the debate. The group will hold its first meeting on April 11, and further meetings are planned in July, November and December.

More information here.