German Automobile Association calls for relaxation of combustion engine ban

The German Automobile Association (VDA) is pushing for a softening of the ban on combustion engines in the European Union starting in 2035. In a position paper published on Friday, the association called for the CO2 reduction target to be softened to 90 percent starting in 2035. Currently, the EU bans the registration of any new cars with combustion engines from that date.

According to the VDA, plug-in hybrid vehicles with a long electric range and vehicles that run exclusively on synthetic fuel should continue to be permitted. Furthermore, synthetic fuels should be given greater importance.

VDA President Hildegard Müller said the automotive industry stands by the Paris climate goals. However, the industry's commitment is countered by weak demand in Europe, inadequate framework conditions for the success of electromobility, and a challenging economic environment. "Brussels must respond to the changed global situation," she said. Politicians have neglected their duty to improve the framework conditions for electric cars. "Now the need for improvements and adjustments is all the more urgent."

Further grace period

In its 10-point plan, the association also advocated for granting the automotive industry a two-year transition period for the planned tightening of CO2 limits for 2030 and 2035. The EU had only granted automakers a grace period in the spring to avoid penalties for the stricter emissions limits. Electromobility must offer a clear cost advantage overall, the VDA stated, and advocated for lower charging prices.

The environmental association Transport & Environment, however, sharply criticized the VDA's proposals. "Give them one finger, and they'll take the whole hand," said T&E expert Julia Poliscanova. After the industry's outcry over the CO2 limits this year, the industry now wants to scrap the 2035 targets before it has even begun to work on them in earnest. "Meanwhile, the rest of the world is transitioning to electromobility regardless. The EU cannot afford to allow its automotive industry to continue to fall behind."

APA/Reuters