Bavarian Premier Markus Söder renewed his call to scrap the EU-wide ban on new combustion-engine cars scheduled for 2035, arguing that the move threatens jobs and the German automotive industry.
"The internal combustion engine has a future with e-fuels and new technologies. The EU's 2035 ban endangers hundreds of thousands of jobs," Söder told the Sunday edition of the mass-circulation Bild newspaper.
The car would become the fate of the German industry, he said: "It is the heart of our economy – without cars, a collapse threatens."
Söder's appeal is reportedly part of his 10-point plan ahead of the IAA Mobility automotive industry show in Munich, which also calls for reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) targets, expanded charging infrastructure including for buses, stronger supplier networks, the development of autonomous driving, and reduced costs for driving licences.
Industry expert finds Söder's plan contradictory
Industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer described Söder's demands as "more of a hodgepodge" than an action plan.
"Anyone who talks about a combustion engine ban now unsettles car buyers. Unsettled car buyers are bad buyers," warned Dudenhöffer.
He said he believes that those who are unsure whether the combustion engine or the electric car is more future-proof would prefer not to buy a car at all initially.
This harms manufacturers who are currently investing billions in the development of electric cars the most, he said. "So, not buying electric cars now? Very contradictory, what the Bavarian premier is demanding."
However, Dudenhöffer supported Söder's demand for a cheaper driving licence, but asked: "How does that work exactly?"
According to the expert, more charging stations, especially for buses, are also a sensible demand: "The municipal utilities will then build the charging stations. The suppliers have something to do, and for the German car manufacturers, it would be a pleasure to build the electric buses."
Merz plans meeting with automotive industry
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he plans to invite German carmakers and suppliers to a summit on the future of the industry, which faces declining sales, competition from China, the shift to electric vehicles and a US tariff dispute.
Volkswagen chief executive Oliver Blume welcomed Merz's initiative, emphasizing flexibility in drive system development but underscoring that electric mobility represents the future.
Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Källenius said the industry stands at a decisive point regarding its future and jobs, and for Germany and Europe's competitiveness.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/bavarian-premier-renews-call-scrap-122925066.html
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