Germany: there is no question of “returning” to electric cars according to Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed on Saturday the importance of “continuing on the path” of electromobility to ensure the future of the automobile industry, amid a period of doubts about the objective of banning combustion engines in Europe in 2035.

“I say it today, one day before the European elections, we support the development of electromobility,” declared the Social Democratic leader in a speech at the headquarters of the Opel brand, in Rüsselheim (west), which is celebrating its 125th anniversary. “Wanting to return now not only jeopardizes everything that has already been achieved, but also jeopardizes our future success, our future prosperity as an industrial nation,” added Scholz, at the head of the euro zone’s largest economy. of which the automobile sector is one of the pillars.

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The fall in sales of electric cars in Europe and the criticism from various political forces, during the European campaign, denouncing a too rapid move towards electric vehicles, worry manufacturers. Some candidates at the polls, especially from the right and extreme right, question the 2035 deadline set by the Twenty-Seven to prohibit the sale of vehicles with thermal engines.

“There is no point in continuing to maintain the old, simply because it has allowed us to survive for a long time,” insisted Olaf Scholz, pointing out the risk of being “overtaken by others” and “losing.” [leur] influence the direction the world takes.

Warning against protectionism

While manufacturers invest massively in electric mobility, cheaper models are prepared and charging infrastructure is developed, “it is important that we continue on this path,” the Chancellor told Opel representatives, including Carlos Tavares, Franco’s boss. . -The Italian-American group Stellantis that bought the German brand from GM in 2017.

The electricity market is struggling especially in Germany, where the end of purchase aid at the end of 2023 has caused a collapse in sales in this segment. Olaf Scholz also warned against the temptation of protectionism at a time when “some consider the idea of ​​free competition and free markets obsolete.”

“Protectionism, compartmentalization and irregular customs barriers only make everything more expensive and impoverish us all,” he said. The European Union is considering strengthening customs barriers to prevent the import of Chinese vehicles.