The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) has voiced strong opposition to proposals from the European Commission that would mandate the purchase of only electric vehicles by rental companies and large businesses starting in 2030.
Hildegard Müller, President of the VDA, stated that these new stipulations demonstrate a lack of adjustment to necessary framework conditions within the European Commission. “We decisively reject this new regulatory offensive” she told the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers.
According to reports in “Bild am Sonntag”, the EU Commission aims to implement a combustion engine ban for rental car providers and corporate fleets from 2030. This measure would impact approximately 60% of new vehicle sales, with the remaining share allocated to private consumers. Total vehicle sales across the EU reached 10.6 million units last year.
Müller emphasized that a critical focus for Brussels should be addressing the long-neglected regulatory environment, particularly concerning electric vehicle infrastructure. She highlighted a significant disparity in charging point availability, noting that Germany, France and the Netherlands account for nearly 60% of all EU charging points. Hamburg, for example, possesses more charging points than countries like Slovakia or Bulgaria.
The VDA president underscored the distinction between setting ambitious targets and facilitating their successful implementation, asserting that the EU now has a responsibility to ensure the latter.