The European auto industry association holds the UK’s targeted ban on the sale of cars with petrol or diesel engines 2030 for exaggerated symbolism. However, there are also a number of voices who praise Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s surprising step and see it as a signal for more climate protection.

The auto industry lobbying representative Acea in Brussels stated that the most important thing for a quick switch to alternative drives without fossil fuels are suitable framework conditions. “Instead of announcements to ban the combustion engine in the short term, we need a strong political commitment,” it said. This must urgently ensure that “all conditions for the transition to emission-free mobility are implemented” – such as the development of an adequate charging infrastructure and purchase incentives for e-cars.

Competitive pressure on the German car industry Johnson wants to set the course so that the British will no longer be able to buy vehicles with conventional combustion engines in ten years’ time. Hybrid models should still be able to be sold up to 2035. There was also encouragement for this. Industry expert Stefan Bratzel from the Center of Automotive Management said, for example, that a major European car market is turning to e-mobility – “and that in turn is a signal to the continent and to the manufacturers”. The competitive pressure on German car manufacturers could increase.

Greenpeace traffic expert Tobias Austrup underlined the potential consequences of the decision. “Great Britain alone has so far represented around 15 percent of German car exports. So that the German brands there and in other countries that have decided to abandon combustion engines do not lose market share quickly and If climate protection is progressing, we also need clear guard rails: At the latest 2025 there must be an end to new diesels and gasoline engines. ” Other countries also named target dates for a combustion engine off – for example Norway 2025, Denmark and Belgium 2030, France 2040. Johnson also announced that it would expand renewable energies.

EU car industry relies on the market … An Acea spokeswoman made it clear that the industry wanted to become climate neutral by 2050. The member companies invested billions in this. However, the association is relying on market mechanisms and a continued rise in demand for e-cars. He sees “the need for a much larger number of charging points”.

… German car industry demands charging points The head of the German automotive industry association VDA, Hildegard Müller, calls for a separate “charging summit” to adapt the expansion of the charging network to the expected further increase in new registrations of cars with alternative drives. All key players would have to come together – federal, state, local, energy, mineral oil and housing sectors. The topic is complex, also because of the provisions in building and tenancy law. “We need millions of charging points in the public and private sector.”

(fpi)