"The giants of Germany's flagship sector such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have cast doubt on the EU target as they struggle to build up competitive electric vehicle businesses against Chinese rivals like BYD. Ahead of a meeting to be held on Thursday with representatives from the automotive sector, Merz told the ntv channel that he thought the EU ban was "wrong"."
"However, he admitted that the issue was "still being discussed" with his junior coalition partners, the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). The SPD environment minister, Carsten Schneider, was "not yet convinced" about the need to abandon the target, Merz said, but added that he hoped the government would come to an agreed position before Thursday's auto sector meeting. The auto industry in Europe's biggest economy has been hammered by fierce competition in key market China, weak demand and a slower-than-expected shift to electric vehicles."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants the EU to abandon its planned 2035 deadline for ending sales of new combustion-engine vehicles to help Germany's struggling car industry. Major manufacturers including Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have questioned the 2035 target amid fierce competition from Chinese EV makers like BYD and weak demand for electric models. The EU has pledged to fast-track a review of the deadline after industry pressure. Coalition partner Social Democrats remain divided, and a government position is sought before a scheduled auto sector meeting. Merz emphasized continued diesel research for trucks and the potential role of synthetic fuels to reduce emissions.
Read at The Local Germany
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