APIA – Asociația Producătorilor și Importatorilor de Automobile (Automobile Manufacturers and Importers Association) is celebrating 30 years this year.
The association is dedicated to promoting and supporting the sustainable development of the automotive industry in Romania.
APIA is a member of the International Organization of Automobile Manufacturers – OICA, the World Organization of Automobile Manufacturers. In 1997 and 2011, APIA had the honour of hosting the OICA General Assembly in Bucharest.
Through dialogue with the authorities, association members and other key players in the mobility area, APIA keeps abreast of the dynamics of the automotive industry by becoming the ‘mobility’ organisation for the industry in Romania.
Dan Vardie, President of APIA speaks with Bridges
Bridges: The automotive sector plays an important role in the Romanian economy. What is APIA doing to strengthen the industry and support members?
Vardie: The Romanian automotive sector is indeed a critical pillar of the national economy, and at APIA, we are deeply committed to strengthening this industry and supporting our members (companies in the mobility sector). Our initiatives focus on several key areas:
Policy Advocacy – We actively engage with government authorities to advocate for policies that foster sustainable growth and innovation within the automotive industry. For example, ‘the Scrappage National Program’ which offers subsidies to individuals and legal entities for purchasing new cars.
International Representation: As a member of the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), we represent Romanian automotive industry interests on a global stage, ensuring that our members are part of international dialogues and have access to global opportunities.
Market Intelligence: We provide comprehensive automotive market data and analysis through our dedicated online reporting platform. This helps businesses stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market and end customers plan their future car purchase and make a well-informed decision.
Sustainability and Innovation: We organise international events like the Sustainable and Affordable Mobility Forum, which brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss and promote sustainable practices in the automotive sector. These efforts are crucial as we navigate the global shift towards decarbonization and electric mobility.
The Romanian automotive sector is indeed a critical pillar of the national economy, and at APIA, we are deeply committed to strengthening this industry and supporting our members (companies in the mobility sector).
Dan Vardie, President of APIA
How would you describe the Japan – Romania relationship as a whole and within the automotive sector?
The Japan-Romania relationship is one of mutual respect and growing collaboration, underpinned by shared values and a strong commitment to economic development. As both nations continue to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, the automotive sector stands out as a significant area of cooperation.
Within the automotive sector, the relationship is particularly strong. Japanese automotive companies have established a historical and significant presence in Romania, contributing not only to the local economy but also to the advancement of automotive technology and innovation. Representatives of three renowned Japanese brands — Honda, Subaru, and Mitsubishi — are members of our association, contributing alongside APIA to the development of the local market, fostering innovation, particularly in areas such as electric vehicles and sustainable mobility solutions.
These joint efforts are essential as both countries navigate the global transition towards greener technologies and reduced carbon emissions.
As APIA celebrates 30 years this year, what have been some of the Association’s key milestone moments?
We are very proud that our association celebrates 3 decades this year. This reflects several key milestones that have shaped both the association and the Romanian automotive industry:
Founding and Early Advocacy: Established in 1994, APIA quickly became the leading voice for the automotive industry in Romania. By 1996, APIA joined the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), positioning Romania within the global automotive community and setting the stage for international collaboration.
Development of the National Vehicle Fleet: Throughout the 2000s, APIA played a pivotal role in the modernization of Romania’s vehicle fleet. Through initiatives like the “Scrappage National Program,” which offers subsidies for purchasing new cars, APIA supported the renewal of the national car fleet, contributing to environmental goals and road safety improvements.
Organisation of SIAB – The Bucharest International Auto Show (2003-2018): The event has been a platform for industry leaders to introduce new technologies, foster partnerships, and engage with a wide audience, further contributing to the development of the automotive sector in Romania.
Promotion of Sustainable Mobility: In 2022, the association redefined its mission to become „the Organization of Mobility” in Romania, aligning with global trends towards decarbonization and electrification in the automotive sector. The annual „Sustainable and Affordable Mobility Forum”, organised by APIA, has become a critical event for discussing and advancing these goals.
Share with us your vision for the Sustainability, Affordability, Mobility Forum taking place in Romania in October 2024.
With this year’s edition of the APIA Forum, we aim to take things to a global level, transforming Bucharest into the Capital of Sustainable and Affordable Mobility, on October 17-18.
During this historic event, we will bring together under the theme “Sustainable and Affordable Mobility – Global Perspectives” top guests from over 35 countries, including OICA members, representatives of the European Commission, the Romanian Government, and leaders from the most important companies in the automotive market.
Our goal is to analyse the main industry trends (Electrification versus Decarbonization), sharing valuable global perspectives. We will facilitate international dialogue and cooperation to share innovations and effective strategies for achieving smart and affordable mobility that can be adopted at a sustained pace.
As part of the Sustainability, Affordability, Mobility Forum 2024, we will also host a micro-exhibition on sustainable and affordable mobility, showcasing the latest innovations in electric vehicles and ‘green’ transport solutions in the city center, with free access to the public.
What does the future hold for APIA?
The future of APIA is focused on innovation, sustainability, and expanding our influence within the mobility sector. We aim to play an important role in promoting new technologies and sustainable practices, ensuring that Romania remains competitive globally.
A key priority is expanding our membership to encompass the entire mobility sector and support new brands entering in the market, enhancing our role in shaping the future of transportation.
We will also develop projects in areas like ESG for automotive and eco-driving and continue to educate the public through conferences and workshops. By strengthening international partnerships and driving these initiatives, APIA is committed to advancing Romania’s position in the global automotive landscape.
World Trade Center, Piata Montreal, Nr. 10, sector 1, Bucharest, Romania
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www.apia.ro
