Bavaria’s state leader wants to overturn EU ban on combustion engines
Munich (dpa) – Bavaria’s Minister President Markus Söder has renewed his demand to overturn the planned EU-wide ban on new cars with internal combustion engines starting in 2035. With this, the head of the conservative ruling party CSU aims to support the struggling German automotive industry. “The combustion engine has a future with e-fuels and new technologies. The EU’s combustion engine ban in 2035 threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs,” Söder told German media.
The car will become a matter of fate for the German industry. “It is the heart of our economy – without cars, a collapse is imminent.”
The demand is part of a ten-point plan that Söder has developed, according to “Bild am Sonntag,” ahead of the start of the International Motor Show IAA Mobility in Munich. The state of Bavaria is an important industrial location in Germany.
In his ten-point plan, Söder also called for a revision – that is, a reduction – of the CO2 savings targets, an expansion of the charging infrastructure, including for buses, strengthening the supply industry, developing autonomous driving, and reducing the costs of obtaining a driver’s license.
Industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer warned: “Anyone who talks about the combustion engine ban now unsettles car buyers. Unsettled car buyers are bad buyers.” Those who are unsure whether the combustion engine or the electric car is more future-proof are likely to refrain from buying a car altogether, believes the expert. And this harms the manufacturers, who are currently investing billions in the development of electric cars, the most.
Merz plans summit meeting with the automotive industry
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has announced that he will invite German car manufacturers and their suppliers to a dialogue about the future of the automotive industry. The automotive industry is struggling with a sales slump, competition from China, and the transition to e-mobility. Additionally, there is the tariff dispute with the USA.
VW CEO Blume: E-mobility belongs to the future
VW CEO Oliver Blume told “Bild am Sonntag”: “We welcome that the federal government will invite us to an automotive summit.” They are adapting flexibly to drives, while at the same time, e-mobility belongs to the future. Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius stated: “We are at a point that will determine the future of our industry and its jobs – and thus the competitiveness of Germany and Europe.” (September 7)
