BMW maintains its confidence in Germany as a key manufacturing location, highlighting the nation’s continued capacity for innovation. In an interview with “Focus” magazine, BMW board member Milan Nedeljkovic emphasized that while self-reflection is crucial, it’s vital to recognize Germany’s ongoing position as a highly innovative country.
Nedeljkovic underscored the unique synergy between Germany’s academic institutions and its industrial sector, which fosters a distinct advantage for driving innovation. However, he cautioned that this alone is insufficient to secure future prosperity. “We must continue to industrialize – every innovation is only effective when it can be implemented on an industrial scale” he stated.
The executive observed that larger-scale industrial projects are currently progressing more readily in countries like the United States and China. To maintain European competitiveness, he stressed the need to create supportive frameworks that attract new technologies.
Discussion specifically addressed the European Union’s planned regulations regarding combustion engine vehicles-a point of contention within the automotive industry. Nedeljkovic called for a critical review and potential adjustment of the 2030 targets and the proposed full combustion engine ban slated for 2035. “Technology openness is crucial” he asserted, arguing that all propulsion technologies should be considered capable of contributing to carbon dioxide reduction in the future.