Global automotive leaders seek stronger support for electrification

Automotive industry leaders have called for clearer regulations and stronger support measures to help the sector navigate the transition to electrification and rapid technological change.

The comments were made during the “Women and Cars in a Global Challenge Environment” forum held in Madrid as part of the Spanish dealership association Faconauto congress.

The event was organised by Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY), an international organisation of female motoring journalists from 55 countries, and brought together senior representatives from several global automotive brands.

Participants discussed the challenges facing the industry as it undergoes a period of transformation driven by electrification, tightening regulations, the arrival of new international competitors and shifting market conditions.

Clíodhna Lyons, vice president of product at Nissan AMIEO, said electrification remains the direction of travel for the industry but the pace of adoption will depend on consumers.

“Electrification is the way forward, but the pace will be set by the consumer. To move forward, we need clear rules and a holistic approach that includes infrastructure, energy and regulatory stability,” Lyons says.

Leopoldo Satrústegui, president of Hyundai Motor Spain, said manufacturers are investing heavily in the transition but the market needs certainty.

“Manufacturers are making a great effort to advance electrification, but the market needs certainty. Having stable and accessible support plans is key to driving demand,” he says.

Erdem Kizildere, chief executive of Renault and Alpine Spain, said the transition will not occur uniformly across different markets.

“We are experiencing a technological change of great magnitude. The transition to electrification will not be uniform across all markets, so it is essential to offer customers different technologies that meet their needs,” he says.

Francesco Colonnese, vice president of Omoda & Jaecoo Iberia, also emphasised the need for a stable regulatory framework to support the industry’s transition.

“Electrification is an inevitable destination, and the industry has invested billions to prepare for it. For this transition to move forward, it is essential to have clear rules and a stable competitive framework,” he says.

Speakers also highlighted the importance of greater diversity within the automotive industry, particularly increasing the participation of women in technical and leadership roles.

Marta García, executive president of WWCOTY and moderator of the forum, said the industry is facing one of the most complex periods in its history.

“The automotive industry is experiencing one of the most complex moments in its history, marked by technological transformation, decarbonisation and changes in the market. In this process, women’s vision also plays an increasingly important role,” she says.

The event also hosted the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year awards ceremony, judged by an international jury of 86 female motoring journalists.

Category winners included the Nissan Leaf for best compact car, Skoda Elroq for best compact SUV, Mercedes-Benz CLA for best large car, Hyundai Ioniq 9 for best large SUV, Toyota 4Runner for best 4×4 and Lamborghini Temerario for best sports car.

The awards aim to recognise vehicles for design, safety, efficiency, technology and their ability to meet drivers’ needs, while also promoting the visibility of women in the global automotive industry.