Germany’s automotive industry is facing significant pressure as it navigates a shift towards sustainability amid a backdrop of traditional reliance on combustion engine vehicles. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder recently asserted the importance of cars to Germany’s economy, suggesting that without them, economic collapse could be imminent. However, this perspective resonates with a nostalgia for fossil fuel-powered vehicles, which is increasingly at odds with growing climate concerns.
Earlier this month, leaders from European car manufacturers met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, where they expressed two main requests: to reverse the EU’s impending ban on new combustion engine vehicles set for 2035, and to relax current sales quotas for electric vehicles. While the meeting’s outcomes remain uncertain, some reports indicate the EU might permit sales of hybrid cars post-2035, hinting at potential leniency regarding the ban. A decision from the commission is anticipated in December.
The pushback from the automotive sector is part of a broader resistance against EU environmental initiatives. Similar industry pressure has led to the defeat of proposed regulations on pesticides and delays in anti-deforestation measures. The German car industry, which accounts for about 5% of the nation’s GDP, is currently facing challenges from global competitors, particularly as EV technologies advance rapidly. The industry’s lobbying efforts have intensified, exemplified by an open letter from prominent automakers expressing that meeting strict emissions targets is increasingly unfeasible.
Within the sector, there is noticeable division regarding this transition. For instance, while some manufacturers continue to support the phase-out of combustion engines, others view the renewed scrutiny of this timeline as counterproductive. As Germany strives to modernize amid economic turbulence, some argue that adhering to the 2035 regulations is crucial for establishing a stable and competitive future within the automotive market.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/sep/29/german-car-industry-eu-ban-petrol-cars-2035