VDA Statement regarding the first results of the strategic dialogue

"The results of the strategic dialogue presented by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are the first steps in the right direction. However, further measures and adjustments to laws and regulations can and must follow. The Commission has rightly recognized that other actors must also make their contribution to achieving the objectives and that there is a huge amount of catching up to do in this regard.

It is long overdue and, given the current challenges and realities, absolutely necessary to provide relief to manufacturers in view of the impending fines. It is also important to implement further relief quickly.

It is important that the reviews of the two regulations for passenger cars and commercial vehicles be brought forward to 2025 and that progress be regularly reviewed politically. On this basis, it can be ensured that the urgently needed adjustments to the framework conditions are made.
In her statement, von der Leyen correctly addressed the issue of technological openness and also committed to this central principle - at the same time, the necessary conclusions from this remained open for the time being. With regard to technological openness, further flexibilization must be considered. This includes, for example, greater consideration of the role of PHEVs beyond 2035.
It is good and right that the Commission has recognized automated and autonomous driving as a key future field for our industry – and that the EU, with the appropriate framework conditions, will decide whether we can also invest in this field, in which our companies are leaders, and further develop the technology here in Germany.

It is therefore all the more important to develop further measures as soon as possible on the basis of the guidelines announced today; improvements are required. Industrial SMEs were not sufficiently taken into account, not only in the composition of the dialogue formats, but also in the results known so far. This is a mistake that must be corrected in the further process. The many medium-sized companies are not only the backbone of our prosperity, but their success and future prospects are the basis for a successful future for the German and European automotive industry and thus also for growth, prosperity and jobs in numerous regions."