The German government is issuing a stark warning to automotive giants Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW following the European Commission’s recent proposal to ease stringent CO2 emission limits. Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has cautioned the companies against clinging to internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, emphasizing that any misinterpretation of the revised regulations could prove deeply detrimental to their long-term viability.
Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, Klingbeil underscored the urgency of transitioning to electric mobility, stating that continued reliance on diesel and gasoline vehicles would only amplify future challenges. He cautioned against complacency, arguing that the pace of electrification must accelerate significantly. The government’s commitment to electric vehicle subsidies, intended to make the transition accessible to individuals with modest and middle incomes, demonstrates this dedication, but also highlights the potential economic pressure on manufacturers to adapt.
The EU Commission’s revised plan, which effectively delays the previously mandated ban on ICE vehicles by allowing for a longer lifespan for hybrid models, has been framed by Klingbeil as a move toward a more flexible approach to climate neutrality. The inclusion of domestically produced, climate-friendly steel in vehicle manufacturing, allowing it to be factored into the overall carbon footprint, was also secured by German negotiators. This provision aims to balance environmental goals with the protection of German jobs, a political imperative that has fueled significant debate within the EU.
Klingbeil acknowledged the apparent compromise by noting that environmental protection and safeguarding employment don’t necessarily need to be mutually exclusive. However, he firmly stated that “The future of mobility is electric” drawing attention to the considerable advancements already achieved in markets such as China, where governmental support has been instrumental in driving widespread adoption. He pointedly criticized German automakers, suggesting they have significant ground to cover in order to remain competitive on a global scale and highlighting a potential gap between German industrial strategy and the rapid technological advancements occurring elsewhere. The warning signals a growing tension between pragmatic political considerations and the accelerating demand for zero-emission vehicles worldwide.