ACEA supports the risk-based approach laid down in the proposal.
Indeed, a key element for a successful European approach to AI is that
the requirements set out in the Regulation are proportionate to the risk
level of the AI applications, and are not too burdensome for businesses
across Europe, as this would restrain innovation and hinder AI
adoption.
A coherent legal framework is crucial for accelerating AI deployment
in motor vehicles. We stress our support to the sectoral approach taken
by the Commission, as this will ensure that automotive products remain
regulated primarily through their sector-specific framework.
In order to avoid duplicating the existing governance mechanisms, ex
ante conformity assessment procedures, and the monitoring and market
surveillance in place for motor vehicles and their safety components, it
is essential that the technical requirements for automotive products
are integrated into the existing vehicle type-approval framework.
We trust that this approach will be further supported by the
co-legislators (the European Parliament and Council) throughout the
ordinary legislative procedure.
A flexible and balanced regulatory framework for AI will promote its
widespread deployment in vehicles, contributing to cleaner, more
efficient and especially safer mobility in Europe. ACEA believes that AI
technology will increase the level of safety for vehicles, drivers,
passengers, and roads.
The partially automated vehicles that are already available are
equipped with safety systems – from basic ones that give drivers
additional sensorial perception (such as blind spot detection) to
advanced active safety systems (eg advanced driver assistance systems,
advanced emergency braking systems or lane keeping systems) – that
intervene automatically, and in a faster and more reliable way than a
human being. Driver monitoring systems will enhance the safety of users
by detecting distraction or drowsiness, alerting the driver of other
hazards.
ACEA’s perspectives on AI are further elaborated in a position paper on the approach of EU automobile manufacturers to Artificial Intelligence. We stand ready to work further with the EU policymakers throughout the adoption process of this initiative.
