German Chancellor: "We will stop the EU's 2035 ban on selling internal combustion engine vehicles!"
On November 8, the South Korean media "JoongAng Ilbo" published an article stating that the German government is openly challenging the EU's plan to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles before 2035. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: "We will do everything we can to stop the complete ban on selling carbon dioxide-emitting vehicles."
Recently, Chancellor Merz of Germany stated after meeting with senior executives of major automobile manufacturers: "If possible, such strict regulations will not be introduced in 2035. I will do everything I can to achieve this goal."
He emphasized: "The transition to zero-emission electric vehicles will continue for the foreseeable future and may become a key technology. However, the transition to alternative energy takes time. The industry needs some breathing space."
The president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Hildgard Müller, supported Chancellor Merz's position, saying: "Government acceptance of industry proposals also helps stabilize employment."
Chancellor Merz also announced a 3 billion euro subsidy program to support middle- and low-income families in purchasing electric vehicles.
The EU is pushing for legislation that would effectively ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles, aiming to make all new cars sold after 2035 "zero-emission".
However, European car manufacturers have protested, arguing that the current schedule is unrealistic given external pressures such as the impact of Chinese electric vehicles and the Trump administration's increased import tariffs. The industry has called for expanding the definition of acceptable technologies and delaying the implementation of regulations.
Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen, said: "Electric vehicles are clearly the technology of the future, but it is currently unrealistic to completely ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles after 2035."
CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius, also said in an interview, "We still need some detours; we need the ability to continue selling some internal combustion engine vehicles."
The German government and industry agree that maintaining 'technology neutrality' is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and employment. As concerns grow that a rapid shift to electric vehicles could undermine the industrial base, Germany's influence within the EU is expected to increase again.
Merz's remarks were interpreted as a political signal from the EU to slow down its "zero-carbon" policy. It is expected that debates over the deadline for the internal combustion engine vehicle ban within Europe will intensify.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848188272875561/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.