Not to mention the possible adverse effects

While the French automobile market now gives NET signs of shortness of breath, and that most of the manufacturers close their factories for technical unemployment, lack of orders for manufacturers, the State seeks the best way to help the sector. The President of the Republic should announce Thursday in support of his plan of recovery of the economy, specific measures for the car. The magnitude and the brutality of degradation, can it be anything other than context

For the moment, his Minister of economy, industry and employment Christine Lagarde fumbles the pulse of the bosses: Carlos Ghosn (Renault), Michel Rollier (Michelin), Thierry Morin (Valeo) are part of the leaders consulted these days by the host of Bercy. "Examines a variety of ways, she slipped Friday for the release of a visit to a centre of research of Valeo in Yvelines, whether it is the recovery of consumption, to focus on research and development, exemption of business tax, of credit impôtrecherche.".

The Government soon realized the importance of the automotive sector, by its macroeconomic weight, in terms of jobs and investment. But find the instrument miracle able to restart the application is obviously much more difficult. As the crux of the problem of the scarcity of clients, related to the decline in the confidence of households in the medium term and the depletion of the credit (for three quarters of the purchases of cars in Europe). In the entourage of the Minister of the economy, it refuses so far to put forward any particular remedy: "the right question is whether this is really useful, and after seeing how much it costs," summarizes. Not to mention the possible adverse effects.

Too expensive premiums case-sensitive

Possible first solution: a plan to aid case-sensitive. Manufacturers are generally favourable, PSA being more tip on this theme as Renault. But the authorities are reluctant. "Balladurettes" and "juppettes" in 1994 and 1995-1996 had, of course, relaunched the French auto market, but these plans are very expensive to the State. And it is especially difficult to exit, as shown in the recent examples of the Italy and the Spain. In addition, this premium exists today with the "super-bonus" of 300 euros granted with the disposal of a car in 15 years, after buying a vehicle few polluting. But this system is also confidential that little incentive.

Will it change the scales of the incentives, introduced in the Emergency Department a year ago The subject is very complex: this system has supported the French market until September, but he has mainly benefited small cars, assemblies in Slovakia, Czech Republic or Turkey (including OEMs plants). If the Government seeks to protect employment in France, the effect is almost zero. As a lowering of VAT on purchases of cars, it seems to have the lead in the wing: "lower VAT for two points 19.6 to 17.6, this would represent an average of 300 euros per car, not what lure the client, while it would cost to the State", summarizes in a constructor.

Timidity

Industrial side, the head of State has already mentioned a "car Fund", managed by the new strategic investment fund, to assist financially the fabric of the subcontractors, on the model of which is already in Aeronautics (Aerofund). The idea would be to ask manufacturers and major OEMs a contribution, which would be amounting by the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and help providers located downstream. But at the time that they are seeking to tighten up their output of cash, Renault and Peugeot are likely to be very hesitant, so they help already directly some considered as strategic suppliers.