Germany Seeks to Ease Ban on Internal Combustion Engines in New Cars by 2035
The German government plans to ease the European ban on internal combustion engines set to take effect for new cars starting in 2035, believing that a gradual transition is more suitable for preserving the national automotive industry.
This announcement follows the “Automobile Industry Summit” held on Thursday at the Chancellery, where Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that “a sudden stop in 2035 must not happen,” while reaffirming Germany’s commitment to carbon neutrality in the transport sector. He indicated he would advocate for amendments to current laws in Brussels, describing the goal of zero emissions as “technically impossible” within that timeframe.
Deputy Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil described the situation in the sector as “dramatic,” urging for a swift decision regarding the future of plug-in hybrid vehicles and new fuels after 2035.
Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), praised the government’s position, considering it a “positive signal” for manufacturers. Meanwhile, Christian Schmid, head of the IG Metall union, found the discussions “encouraging” and called for a strong German stance at the European level.
However, the final decision will rest with the European Union, where discussions are expected to resume in the coming weeks, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen insists on adhering to the 2035 deadline as set by member states.
The summit included leaders from BMW, Daimler, and Volkswagen, alongside major suppliers and representatives from the IG Metall union and VDA, amidst an industry crisis facing job losses and ongoing challenges in the shift towards electric vehicles, with fierce competition from China encroaching on the European market.
