The German automotive industry is exerting significant pressure on the governing coalition of Social Democrats (SPD) and Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) to present a unified front in Brussels regarding the phasing out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), emphasized the urgency for concrete decisions following a recent automotive summit, warning that internal divisions are weakening Germany’s negotiating power.
Müller, in statements to the “Rheinische Post” underscored the need for a coordinated German position to influence European Union policy on CO2 fleet emission standards. While the summit fostered a renewed sense of optimism, it also laid bare a persistent rift within the coalition. The CDU/CSU is advocating for allowing vehicles with partial internal combustion engines after 2035, a position directly at odds with factions within the SPD who remain committed to a complete ban.
The divergence reflects a broader European trend towards a more pragmatic approach to climate targets, recognizing the complex interplay between environmental protection and economic viability. Müller framed this shift as a “slow return to reality” driven by a growing awareness that climate action must be balanced with maintaining industrial competitiveness. This acknowledgment accompanied a consensus among summit participants to accelerate the transition to electric mobility, with particular focus on critical infrastructure challenges like grid capacity and electricity pricing.
The VDA’s call for a united front is directly linked to concerns over potential financial penalties for the German automotive sector. Avoiding these penalties, Müller suggested, necessitates a strong, cohesive German voice in Brussels, capable of advocating for flexibility and a more nuanced approach to the 2035 deadline. However, the internal divisions within Germany present a significant hurdle, potentially diminishing the industry’s ability to effectively lobby for its interests and potentially undermining the government’s broader negotiating strategy within the EU.