Automotive industry reiterates its commitment to eCall

Creation date: 05 March 2009

The automotive industry was amongst the first stakeholders signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and decided from the very beginning to contribute to the development and agreement of feasible implementation and business plans for pan-European eCall.

Despite many joint efforts made by all relevant parties committed to achieve the overall objectives of the implementation of in-vehicle eCall, the whole process has been delayed and a series of necessary actions still need to be fulfilled both from the Telecommunication and service provider side as well as from the Member States.

However, the Automotive Industry renews its commitment to introduce eCall as a standard option for all new approved vehicles with sufficient lead-time after all standards and specifications have been finally approved and the overall process has been successfully tested. Additionally, it is very important that current and future Member States who have signed the MoU show full commitment to the eCall roll-out platform both at European and national level. 

The European infrastructure for emergency services varies from one country to another. Nevertheless the current financial crisis and the national and European recovery plans with significant investments in infrastructure provide an opportunity to also promote eCall implementation with financial incentives and investments in PSAP infrastructure.

An in-vehicle eCall can show all its benefits only when the appropriate infrastructure is in place and emergency calls are delivered in the quickest and most efficient way.