Griffiths resigns as Anfac president over government ‘inaction’ on electric mobility

Madrid, (EFE).- The president of the Spanish car and truck manufacturers’ association Anfac, Wayne Griffiths, announced this Thursday his permanent resignation due to the “government’s inaction in favor of electrification”, although he will remain in office until the appointment of his successor.

Faced with this decision, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to the sector, while manufacturers and dealers say they share the reasons for their resignation because, despite the measures approved by the executive, they believe there is a structural delay in electrification in Spain.

“The commitment of political representatives to the sector does not correspond to what our country deserves,” the executive president of Seat and Cupra, who is also leaving his post at the helm, lamented to the board of directors and the Anfac general assembly. association two and a half years later.

Namely, last December it announced its extension for another year, for which it demanded full commitment from the executive branch.

“I extended my position as president of Anfac because the government was committed to being an ally of the sector and quickly implementing concrete and effective measures,” recalls Griffiths, “disappointed” because these initiatives “did not materialize” despite the fact that they were in a state where “you need to speed up, not slow down.”

In his speech, which the employers’ association sent to the media as a statement, Griffiths highlighted the work done to implement and resolve various Perte VEC calls.

“Our country has laid the foundations for the automobile industry of the future,” he said, later admitting that with the support of the central and regional governments, the “first phase of transformation” could begin.

Without commitment, you cannot “contribute more.”

However, he lamented the “lack of action” to develop the electrified vehicle market and its environment, as well as the government’s “inaction” following the “Mitma move” (assistance for the purchase of low- or zero-emission industrial vehicles and buses). . ) ended on April 30th, and Moves III will end on July 31st.

“In recent months, I have publicly and privately insisted on the need for public-private cooperation to make Spain the center of electromobility in Europe. That was and is my goal,” Griffiths emphasized.

But “for a long time, the commitment of political representatives has not matched what our country, the second largest car manufacturer in Europe and eighth in the world, deserves.”

In this regard, he recalled that electrified passenger cars have stalled at 10% and “instead of going forward, we are going backward.”

“I will continue to defend the interests of the Spanish automotive industry in Spain and beyond. But without support, without concrete measures and without real commitment from political representatives like President Anfak, I can no longer make a greater contribution,” he said.

The government insists on its commitment to the sector

However, sources at the Ministry of Industry assured EFE that the government is working to put in place all mechanisms to promote the promotion of electric vehicles, with a clear commitment to decarbonization and a commitment to the electrification of mobility.

Expressing their respect for Griffiths’ decision, they recalled that a significant portion of Europe’s recovery plan funds are directed towards the automotive sector, with the industrial program having the largest financial allocation to support the automotive industry at $5 billion. Euro.

Work is also underway on a new plan to support the purchase of electric vehicles, for which a 15% reduction in personal income tax has already been approved, and on expanding the charging infrastructure.

However, for the 58 brands that are part of Anfac, these measures are not enough, which justifies the decision of its still president.

In February, the government pledged to change plans to help users and promote decarbonization and electrification, but “four months later we have no news,” they said in a statement. “Producers need more support and public-private cooperation,” they defend.

The Faconauto dealers association says it shares the reasons that led Griffiths to resign as Anfac president, given that “despite the decisions taken by the government regarding citizens, there is a structural delay in electrification in Spain.”

And he hopes today’s announcement will help the government coordinate efforts among ministries dedicated to sustainable mobility and renew policies that can reverse the current course to promote electrification and the market.

“Only in this way will Spain maintain competitiveness, employment and the economic activity generated by the car, which is now in question,” says Faconauto.