Merz Signals Opposition to 2035 Combustion Engine Ban
Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has publicly expressed reservations about the European Union’s planned ban on the sale of new combustion engine vehicles from 2035, advocating for greater flexibility and technological openness. While stopping short of a definitive rejection, Merz’s statements at the IAA car show in Munich indicate a willingness to challenge the current timeline and regulations.
The debate over the 2035 ban is intensifying as Germany, a major automotive manufacturing hub, weighs the economic impact of transitioning to a fully electric vehicle market. saxony’s Prime Minister Olaf Lies (SPD) has also voiced concerns about the feasibility of the deadline. Merz’s position adds further weight to the growing opposition, perhaps reshaping the future of the automotive industry and impacting millions of jobs. The EU is expected to review its CO2 goals this year,opening a window for renegotiation.
Merz avoided a firm commitment to the 2035 target, rather emphasizing the need to avoid rigid prohibitions that could stifle innovation and jeopardize employment within the automotive sector. He called for “plain text” discussions with the EU regarding more adaptable regulations.
Recent polling data reveals significant public resistance to the ban, with only 24 percent of Germans currently supporting the 2035 deadline. Simultaneously, companies like Porsche are reassessing ambitious electric vehicle targets, signaling a continued reliance on combustion engines in the near future. Even within the SPD, some MPs are questioning the feasibility of phasing out combustion vehicles by 2035.
