France signs contract with car manufacturers & suppliers
The French government has signed a strategic contract with several French automobile manufacturers and suppliers to help prepare the market for “technological disruptions” such as electrification and autonomous driving.
The contract was developed by the economic ministry with support from industry, and was signed by the CEOs of Renault, PSA, Valeo, Faurecia and Michelin.
To increase EV sales five-fold in the next three years, the French government has decided to maintain their current subsidies, as well as expand the charging infrastructure in the country with energy providers to maintain at least one charging station for every ten EVs.
Additionally, a 135 million euro fond will support research and development in the country, with a focus on battery cells. The government will also be setting aside up to 200 million euros for testing autonomous driving, with a focus on public transportation projects. To support the hiring of a larger specialized workforce, training programs will be expanded by 50%. The French government estimates that by the year 2022, around 25,000 new jobs will be created in the sector.
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