A proposed European Union sourcing policy could reshape auto supply chains beyond the bloc, with Türkiye sending 72.5% of its automotive exports to the EU in 2025, the Uludağ Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association (OIB) reported. The group put those shipments at $30.11 billion out of $41.52 billion in total automotive exports.
The European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act, proposed March 4, would attach EU-origin conditions to selected government contracts and support programs for electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles. Covered vehicles would need EU assembly and to meet an origin test. One route requires EU-sourced components to make up at least 70% of the ex-works value of covered components, with batteries excluded; some provisions also allow a battery-content route. The Commission seeks to lift manufacturing to 20% of EU gross domestic product by 2035, from 14.3% in 2024.
The French and German governments set out common objectives Oct. 16, including expanded production in Europe and supply chains better able to withstand disruption. Their statement leaves eligibility details unspecified, and the joint position does not make the proposal law.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) describes the reported plan as demanding, citing limited geographic eligibility and an 80% fleet-wide target. It also argues that the calculation gives too little weight to automakers’ contribution. The European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) says a cost allowance for vehicle manufacturers would lower the component threshold to 65% in practice, despite the nominal 70% figure. CLEPA estimates that at least 150,000 high-skilled supplier jobs could be at risk; that is an industry estimate, not an official forecast.
The European Commission says the final stage of Türkiye’s Customs Union with the EU took effect Jan. 1, 1996, ending tariffs and quantitative limits on industrial goods. The arrangement does not itself establish eligibility under the proposed support rules. DW reported that Türkiye, Morocco, Japan and South Korea are concerned they could be excluded; the Franco-German statement did not name those countries.
Eurostat’s 2025 tally of electric cars entering the EU assigns South Korea a 27% share and Japan 9%, while China accounted for 42%. Those figures cover electric-car imports, not automotive parts.
The European Parliament’s procedure file shows a committee decision is still pending and lists an indicative Dec. 14 plenary sitting, the next scheduled marker for the proposal.
