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Minister Advocates for Strong International Partnerships and Pragmatic Measures to Strengthen Automotive Industry
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, the Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism of Germany, has expressed concern about the current situation of the automotive industry and its potential impact on the economy. In a series of engagements leading up to the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, she has called for decisive political action, especially from the European Union.
The Minister believes that strong international partnerships, such as with Canada, are crucial for the future of the automotive industry. She will have a key exchange with Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of the Canadian province of Ontario, during the IAA Mobility 2025.
Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut's concerns are related to the potential loss of around 50,000 jobs in the automotive industry and the economic impact on the regions of Baden-Württemberg and Germany. The Minister believes that a 'business as usual' approach would be fatal and that pragmatism and common sense are needed in politics to restore competitiveness.
She proposes pragmatic measures to strengthen the competitiveness of the automotive industry. These include overturning the EU's blanket combustion engine ban from 2035, reviewing existing regulations, and prioritizing transitional technologies like plug-in hybrids and range extenders. The Minister also calls for flexibility in fleet emission targets, affordable charging electricity, competitive industrial power prices, faster expansion of charging infrastructure, stronger investment incentives, and removal of international trade barriers.
Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut will meet with CEOs of leading automotive and supplier companies, as well as Hildegard Müller, President of the External: Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA), during her tour at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich on September 10. On September 11, she will continue her company visits in the Neckar-Alb region, touring two plants in the automotive and machinery industry.
The Minister also emphasizes the need for targeted support for small and medium-sized businesses in qualification, digitalization, and new business models. The regional networks are doing valuable work in supporting small and medium-sized businesses during the transformation process, and the federal government continues to promote this work.
Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut criticizes Brussels' plans to introduce new regulatory requirements for the automotive industry. She urges the EU to focus on technology openness and location strengthening in its policy. The Minister also calls for affordable charging electricity for electric cars and stronger investment incentives.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism can be contacted through their Press Office or Citizen's Representative for further information.
In conclusion, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut is advocating for pragmatic measures to strengthen the competitiveness of the automotive industry, urging decisive political action, especially from the European Union, ahead of the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich. The Minister believes that these measures are necessary to address the challenges facing the industry, such as waning demand, rising costs, uncertain sales markets, geopolitical crises, and potential additional regulations from the European Union.
