“It is important – and, with a view to the upcoming negotiations in Brussels, time-critical – that the German Federal Government has agreed on a common position on the EU Automotive Package within the coalition committee.

The suspension of the tightening of the utility factor, as well as the recognition of zero-emission vehicles powered exclusively by renewable fuels, are the right and decisive elements for the negotiations in Brussels.

There are still open questions regarding the flexibility instruments for 2030 and 2035, which are, in principle, the right approach. However, the planned compensation of excess emissions above 90 percent through green steel remains problematic.

The German Federal Government has recognized that these adjustments are necessary to safeguard growth, prosperity and employment, while at the same time ensuring the achievement of climate targets.

It is now crucial that the German Federal Government represents this common position in Brussels with a strong and unified voice. The automotive industry is a key driver of growth and prosperity in Europe. With the right framework conditions in place, our companies can contribute to strengthening Europe’s economic performance and to achieving its climate goals.

In the upcoming discussions, the challenges faced by commercial vehicles must also be taken into account. The review of fleet regulations for heavy-duty vehicles should be brought forward to this year (and for trailers as soon as the evaluation of monitoring data is available), with progress being regularly reviewed at the political level.

In addition, potential penalty payments should be adjusted, as the current penalties ultimately risk undermining the transformation and the European commercial vehicle industry.”