At the automobile club ADAC, traffic president Gerhard Hillebrand has stepped down. According to “Bild” (Tuesday edition) the decision was prompted by an unprecedented wave of cancellations: about 60,000 members ended their subscriptions in the past four weeks. Hillebrand took responsibility for the ex‑members and the consequent damage to the club’s image.
The criticism stemmed from Hillebrand’s remarks on rising fuel prices. In the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” in late 2025 he defended CO₂ pricing as a means to meet climate‑safety goals and said that drivers need incentives to switch from diesel or petrol to more climate‑friendly alternatives such as electric cars. He also warned against loosening European climate targets.
An ADAC spokesperson explained that the high cancellation rate showed many members felt the club had abandoned its role as the advocate for motorists. “The impression created by the interview does not reflect ADAC’s clear positions” she said to the press. “Whether it concerns gasoline, diesel, or electric vehicles, we stand against any further burden without social compensation. Our mission is affordable mobility for all”.
Despite the churn, the “Bild” reported that just in January ADAC welcomed 100,000 new members. Hillebrand’s responsibilities are now being handled on an interim basis by ADAC technology president Karsten Schulze.