The organisation says that the scoping exercise should include the full identification of non-tariff barriers to trade as well as of the firm commitment to eliminate them and take any other relevant measures to achieve the opening of the Japanese market. It adds that non-tariff barriers have led foreign car manufacturers to have a market share of less than 5% in the world’s third largest economy. The scoping exercise must also involve a complete assessment of the impact of a trade agreement on manufacturing and employment in the EU.

Ivan Hodac, secretary general of the ACEA, said: 'Importantly, there cannot be an automatic opening of FTA negotiations, regardless of the outcome of the exercise. Its findings must be thoroughly analysed.'

He added: 'ACEA supports trade liberalisation first and foremost within the multilateral framework of the WTO, particularly with regard to the elimination of tariffs. To facilitate market access around the globe it is, furthermore, essential to speed up the further harmonisation of vehicle standards and certification. ACEA welcomes the Japanese initiative to launch a discussion in Geneva of a system for International Whole Vehicle Type Approval.'