The SPD is considering a registration halt for certain electric‑car manufacturers because of potential cyber risks. Digital‑policy spokesperson Johannes Schätzl told the “Handelsblatt” that if there were “grave, confirmed incidents” it might ultimately become necessary to prohibit the registration of specific manufacturers or models on German roads.
The proposal stems from safety concerns about connected vehicles, particularly those from Chinese suppliers. Schätzl warned that the growing market share of Chinese manufacturers raises “new security‑related questions”. Sensitive information includes not only drivers’ personal data but also vehicle sensor and environmental data. If this information can be accessed by Chinese state authorities, it could be used for cyber attacks or military purposes.
To protect security‑critical sectors such as the police and the Bundeswehr, Schätzl called for special safeguards. He suggested that use restrictions could be imposed on particular sites or demographic groups. While remote‑access and data‑security risks apply to all connected vehicles, the risks would be higher where companies are required to provide state access and where independent oversight is lacking-particularly in the context of China.
SPD transport politician Isabel Cademartori urges a comprehensive security assessment. She argues that it must be carefully examined whether a state with clear geopolitical interests is collecting personal and geographic data behind the scenes. From her perspective, Europe must invest more in technological sovereignty and increasingly rely on domestic suppliers when procuring vehicles, both for security reasons and to strengthen Germany’s industrial base.