Barcelona Auto Show: Electrification Commitment and Mobility Concerns
catalan Government Pledges Support for Automotive Electrification
Barcelona – the 43rd Motor Show in Barcelona has become a focal point for discussions surrounding the future of the automotive industry in Catalonia and Spain. The event’s official inauguration saw Catalan President Salvador Illa reaffirm the government’s commitment to the electrification of the automotive sector. However, the industry is also calling for better urban mobility planning in Barcelona, particularly concerning the implementation of traffic calming measures.
Accompanied by Minister of Business and Labor Miquel Sàmper, President illa emphasized the government’s dedication to electric mobility, stating, There is no back. This is the decision that has been made in Europe, by the Government of Spain and public administrations: mobility will be electric.
Automotive Sector’s Economic Significance
President Illa underscored the critical role of the automotive industry in the region’s economy, highlighting its impact on employment, gross domestic product (GDP), innovation, and exports.
Automotive is a key sector in Catalonia, in Spain and in europe for its weight in employment, GDP, innovation and export. If this sector goes wrong, the Catalan and Spanish economy resents, and much.
salvador Illa, President of the generalitat
The Catalan government has pledged meaningful financial support for the sector’s transformation, with plans to invest 1.4 billion euros in electric mobility, primarily to establish a extensive charging infrastructure throughout Catalonia.
Illa also stressed the importance of collaboration among various administrative bodies to achieve ambitious goals. He mentioned an upcoming agreement with the communities of Navarra and Valencia,as well as the Ministry of Industry and Tourism,to support this transition.
Industry Concerns Over Barcelona’s Mobility Planning
While supportive of the shift to electric vehicles, the automotive sector has voiced concerns about the current approach to urban mobility in Barcelona. Industry leaders are urging for better planning before implementing measures that could negatively impact vehicle circulation.
Jaume Roura, president of Fecavem, addressed the issue at the Motor Show, stating, We are not at war.
Roura criticized the current situation in Barcelona, claiming that the city collapses as there is no good planning.
Minister Sàmper acknowledged some of the challenges,admitting that the process for receiving aid to purchase electric vehicles is too slow. He revealed that he is still awaiting 7,000 euros from the Moves program.
Key Figures at the Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the 43rd Motor Show was attended by several prominent figures, including:
- Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona
- Jordi Hereu, Minister of Industry and Tourism
- Miquel Sàmper, counselor
- Josep Rull, President of Parliament
- Carlos Prieto, Delegate of the Government in Catalonia
- Enrique Lacalle, President of the Hall
- Josep Maria Recasens, President of ANFAC
