EU's incinerator ban poses a threat to hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities, according to Söder

The German automotive industry is facing a critical juncture, with a sales slump, increasing competition from China, and the shift towards e-mobility, among other challenges. In response, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has scheduled a dialogue with German car manufacturers and their suppliers to discuss the future of the industry.

At the heart of the discussions is a ten-point plan drafted by CSU leader Markus Söder. The plan aims to support the struggling German automotive industry and secure its future. Key components of the plan include the reduction of driving license costs, the expansion of charging infrastructure, and the strengthening of the supply industry.

Söder, who has renewed his call to scrap the EU-wide ban on new cars with internal combustion engines, planned for 2035, described the car as a matter of fate for the German industry. He further emphasised that without cars, the industry faces collapse.

The plan also reportedly includes the revision of CO2 savings targets and the development of autonomous driving. These measures are intended to encourage the growth of the industry and its competitiveness in the global market.

Notably, the names of the German automobile manufacturers and suppliers invited to the dialogue round have not been publicly specified. However, both Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume and Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius have expressed their support for the federal government's decision to convene the summit, stating that e-mobility is the future and that the dialogue is crucial for the future of the industry, its jobs, and the competitiveness of Germany and Europe.

The dialogue comes at a time when the automotive industry is grappling with the trade dispute with the US, making it essential for Germany to find solutions to maintain its position as a leader in the global automotive market. The discussions are expected to provide valuable insights into the future direction of the industry and the steps needed to ensure its continued success.