While discussions continue regarding the new regulations prepared by the European Union to strengthen domestic production in the automotive industry, Toyota made a statement that closely concerns Türkiye.
The Japanese automobile manufacturer argued that the production and emission rules brought to the agenda within the scope of the European Commission's Industrial Accelerator Act and Automotive Package should also include the trading partners with which Europe has been working together for many years.
Toyota suggested adopting the 'Made with Europe' approach instead of the 'Made in Europe' approach.
"WE ARE NOT GUESTS IN EUROPE"
Toyota Motor Europe President and CEO Yoshihiro Nakata reminded that the company has been operating in Europe for more than 60 years and stated that they have invested in many areas in the region, from the design to the production of automobiles, engines and hybrid systems.
Drawing attention to Toyota's engineering, research and development activities in Europe, Nakata emphasized the importance of the company's long-standing collaborations with suppliers in the region.
Nakata said, "Toyota is not a guest in Europe. We are a European manufacturer and we want the European automotive industry to be successful."
The company stated that it supports Europe's climate goals, but new regulations should be prepared taking into account consumer demand, technological developments and global competitive conditions.
HE WANTED Türkiye TO BE INCLUDE
One of the most striking headlines in Toyota's statement was Türkiye's position in the European Union's new production rules.
The company argued that in order for the European automotive industry to maintain its global competitiveness, not only production in EU countries but also production and supply relations established with reliable trading partners should be taken into account.
According to Toyota, when evaluated together with countries such as Türkiye, England and Japan, the automotive market that Europe can reach reaches a size of approximately 31 million vehicles.
Stating that this scale provides a significant advantage in global competition, the company stated that a regulation based only on assembly activities carried out within the EU borders would send the wrong message to manufacturers who have been investing in Europe for many years.
For this reason, Toyota requested that a limited number of reliable partners who have a free trade agreement or Customs Union relationship and meet reciprocity conditions be considered within the scope of European production.
GERMANY AND FRANCE AGREED, Türkiye WAS LEFT OUT
Toyota's call came at a time when Germany and France determined a common approach on the 'Made in Europe' regulation.
While the agreement of the two countries paved the way for England to be considered within the scope of European production under certain conditions, a similar exception was not foreseen for Türkiye.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that they want the electric cars of the future to be produced in France and Europe.
Germany, on the other hand, previously advocated a broader approach that included countries integrated into the European automotive supply chain, such as Türkiye.
If the regulation, which has not yet been accepted throughout the EU, becomes law in its current form, the access of automotive manufacturers in Türkiye to certain public supports and future new model investments may be negatively affected. The final conditions are expected to be clarified as a result of EU negotiations.
DEMAND FOR EQUAL CONDITIONS IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT
On the other hand, Toyota also stated that the new regulation of the European Union should apply common rules for public procurement, automobile incentives and corporate vehicle fleets.
The company demanded that automobiles produced with reliable trade partners, including Türkiye, also be able to benefit from these supports under equal conditions.
In the statement, it was suggested that fuel cell vehicles be temporarily exempt from localization conditions until the production and supply infrastructure in Europe is sufficiently developed.
According to Toyota, strengthening the European automotive industry will be possible not only by concentrating production in certain countries, but also by protecting existing supply chains and supporting joint investments.
EMPHASIS ON 'CO-PRODUCTION WITH EUROPE'
Matt Harrison, Head of Corporate Affairs at Toyota Motor Europe, also stated that international collaborations will be decisive in the future of the European automotive industry.
Harrison stated that Europe has a strong industrial infrastructure, qualified workforce and reliable trade partners, and said that new regulations should also take into account the extent to which consumers are ready for change.
Arguing that Europe's isolation from the outside world would weaken its competitiveness, Harrison emphasized that the company's main demand was to adopt the 'Made with Europe' approach.
Toyota stated that it is important for the long-term competitiveness of the sector that the automotive regulations that will be shaped in the European Union in the coming period are prepared in a way that protects the production relations established with countries such as Turkey, England and Japan.
