The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) takes note of the European Council’s decision today to give the green light to the European Commission to open free trade negotiations with Japan.

ACEA insists that a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan will have a negative impact on the European automobile industry.

ACEA has persistently argued that a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan will have a negative impact on the European automobile industry. “Independent studies have shown that this deal is a one-way street as far as the automobile industry is concerned,” said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of ACEA. “This has already been our experience with the free trade agreement with South Korea which entered into force last year.”