Since 2006, European car manufacturers have been able to reduce energy consumption in the production of cars by 23%. Cars are now being equipped with more and more features that make them safer, cleaner and smarter. These elements greatly influence the need for energy.

Supply chain shortages, especially those still affected by semiconductor shortages, continue to disrupt global manufacturing operations, reducing output. To this must be added the shortage of raw materials, and recently problems with natural gas have exacerbated the problems. The result of all this is a months-long delay in the delivery of new models, which is long and effectively prevents consumers from buying a new car.

According to the latest S&P Global Mobility forecast, potential losses at manufacturing plants in Europe could exceed 1 million units per quarter from the fourth quarter of 2022 to the end of 2023. Quarterly passenger car production in Europe is estimated at between 4 and 4.5 million units. predicting slight growth.

Alternative solutions for automakers, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), that can overcome some of the problems, are to replace natural gas combined heat and power plants with green electricity using pilot thermal plants. and with the transfer of hydrogen to production facilities. At the same time, the widespread use of solar panels should be taken into account.

Finally, there should be a transfer of production capacity and a redistribution of car production to the coastal regions of Europe, which have access to gas supplies by sea. An element that car manufacturers should take seriously.

RES-EMI