"The VDA rejects the introduction of an additional regulatory framework for corporate fleets, such as is currently being considered in Brussels. Regrettably, the draft report presented today in the EU Environment Committee even envisages a further raising of the level of ambition previously discussed.

Existing initiatives—such as CO₂ fleet targets, the Clean Vehicles Directive, ESG and CSRD requirements, as well as individual decarbonization commitments—already provide sufficient guidance and support the electrification of vehicle fleets. Additional measures could prove explicitly counterproductive by further complicating an economically challenging transformation and increasing the administrative burden on companies and fleet operators. Reducing bureaucracy—rather than increasing it—must play a decisive role in this context as well. The Federal Government’s position to reject the European Commission’s proposal is, therefore, a logical consequence.

As a general rule: The ramp-up of electromobility is the decisive building block for achieving CO₂ reduction targets in the transport sector. It is now crucial that the framework conditions for e-mobility be improved rapidly and decisively in order to bolster consumer confidence in the technology. Above all, a dedicated expansion of charging infrastructure is required—both in Germany and across Europe. Furthermore, electricity grids must be urgently expanded and modernized to meet future demands. Another key point: the cost of charging electricity must be reduced.  

The German automotive industry is advancing e-mobility through substantial investments, new innovations, and strong commitment. It is manufacturing an increasing number of electric vehicles and continuously expanding its model range. In the coming four years alone, our companies will invest approximately €320bn in research and development. In addition, there will be around €220bn in capital expenditures—particularly in manufacturing plants. These investments by the German automotive industry thus represent a significant further increase and stand for our determination to make climate-neutral mobility a reality as quickly as possible."