The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has accused the EU of carelessness. “So far, the new EU Commission has failed to react appropriately to the new economic and global situation” said VDA President Hildegard Müller to the “New Osnabrück Times” (Wednesday edition).
Before the start of the EU Commission’s strategic dialogue with the automotive industry on January 30, the manager criticized: “This is reckless and potentially consequential for the European industry.”
From Brussels, Müller expects the international competitiveness and site policy to be “top priorities.” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will have to combine a “strategic and resolute economic and industrial policy with the climate protection ambitions in the coming years.” Only then can effective climate protection work.
A strategic dialogue with representatives of the automotive industry is therefore “fundamentally right – whether it can be effective will be shown” said Müller. According to the VDA chief, it will become increasingly difficult for the automotive industry to achieve the EU’s climate targets. This is particularly the case for the fleet limits.
“The ambitious tightening of targets stands in contrast to insufficient framework conditions and corresponding incentives” lamented Müller. Now, the meeting in Brussels must lead to a rapid change of heart at the Commission. Moreover, the automotive lobby is calling for a resolute expansion of the charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure in all European cities.