Prioritizing customer focus in transport policy: ZDK emphasizes climate protection, digitalisation, and safety in their approach
In a significant development, key automotive players and associations gathered in Berlin to discuss the future of electromobility. The event, held in December 2021, saw a consensus among major manufacturers, including Volkswagen, and the industry association VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie), emphasizing the focus on electric vehicles and calling for further government support and infrastructure expansion.
Federal Transport Minister Schnieder announced a comprehensive package of measures with the "Masterplan Ladeinfrastruktur III" to create planning security and increase the acceptance of electromobility. This plan aims to present a clear perspective for the automotive industry and potential electric car drivers.
The associations agreed on access to vehicle data, requiring non-discriminatory solutions for innovation and competition. Schnieder promised to work towards a "level playing field" for vehicle data access. The ZDK, stating the importance of practical measures and a consistent focus on the benefit for customers, echoed this sentiment.
The success of electromobility, according to the ZDK, requires better framework conditions for consumers. More attractive conditions are needed for those who cannot charge at home, with public charging current needing noticeable subsidies for electromobility to be a realistic option for broad customer groups.
The ZDK also referred to the work of the Academy of the German Automobile Trade (TAK) for training on calibration of modern driver assistance systems. This underscores the industry's commitment to safety and quality in the transition to electromobility.
The ramp-up of electromobility was the focus of the discussions. There was consensus among the associations on the question of inspection intervals: The main inspection for older vehicles should not be tightened, and no additional NOx measurements are planned. This decision aims to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles without unduly burdening vehicle owners.
Topics such as autonomous driving and vehicle safety were also discussed at the summit. The ZDK drew a positive balance sheet from the meeting, emphasizing the importance of close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders for climate protection, digitalization, and road safety.
However, the stakes are high. High fines and the loss of thousands of jobs are threatening due to low electric vehicle registrations not meeting CO2 targets. The share of new registrations of electric vehicles has been stagnating at around 18 percent for months.
Imelda Labbé, president of the VDIK, emphasized that the ramp-up of electromobility by 2035 and the associated digitalization presents a significant technological and economic challenge to the automotive industry. The consensus reached in Berlin is a step in the right direction towards meeting these challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for the automotive industry.
In conclusion, the Berlin Automobile Summit marked a significant milestone in the transition to electromobility. With the "Masterplan Ladeinfrastruktur III" and the consensus reached among the associations, there is a renewed commitment to creating the necessary conditions for a successful transition to electromobility. The focus now shifts to implementation and ensuring that electromobility becomes a realistic option for a broad customer base.
