Germany's Call for Auto Industry Flexibility Amid EU Combustion Car Ban

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged the EU to relax its 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars, arguing for more flexibility as automakers transition to electric vehicles. The German government seeks exemptions for hybrids and efficient combustion engines, emphasizing innovation without compromising EU climate goals.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has petitioned the European Commission to reconsider its impending 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars, citing a need for greater flexibility in the transition to electric vehicles. Merz, a staunch ally of the automotive sector, argues that the proposed timeline is overly ambitious amid fierce competition from China.

The German government, following internal discussions with coalition partners, is advocating for exemptions for plug-in hybrids and highly efficient combustion engines. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Merz highlights the dual objectives of supporting the auto industry’s EV shift while adhering to EU climate protection goals.

The German VDA car lobby has hailed this approach as favorable news for the automotive industry, with industry leaders like Volkswagen and BMW backing transitional technologies. Conversely, environmental groups argue this stance is regressive and maintains a reliance on outdated technology, pointing to potential strategies for bolstering local EV production.