德国拟推动放宽欧盟燃油车禁令

Core Viewpoint - The German government is seeking to adjust the EU's 2035 ban on internal combustion engine vehicles due to the automotive industry's structural challenges and declining profitability, while aiming to maintain a balance between environmental goals and industry needs [1][4][7]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - The German automotive industry, contributing approximately 5% to the GDP and employing over 8 million people, is facing a significant crisis with profits plummeting: Audi's after-tax profit dropped by 37.5% to €1.346 billion, Porsche's second-quarter profit fell by 91% to €154 million, and Mercedes-Benz's net profit decreased by 69% to €957 million [2]. - A report from consulting firm EY indicates that the automotive sector is projected to lose about 51,500 jobs from June 2024 to June 2025, representing nearly 7% of total jobs in the industry, making it the most affected industrial sector [2]. Group 2: Factors Contributing to the Crisis - The slow transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is a major factor, with only 17% of new vehicle registrations in Germany being electric, despite nearly 50% of new registrations being from companies and rental agencies [2]. - The aggressive tariff policies from the U.S. have created significant uncertainty for the global automotive industry, particularly impacting German manufacturers [3]. - Domestic political changes, including the cautious stance of the ruling coalition towards green transitions, have also contributed to the industry's challenges [3]. Group 3: Government Response and Industry Consensus - The German government is advocating for a more flexible approach to the EU's 2035 ban, emphasizing the need for hybrid and synthetic fuel technologies as transitional solutions [4][5]. - The automotive industry representatives have welcomed the government's proposal, viewing it as a positive signal that does not solely prioritize electric vehicles [5][6]. - However, there is notable opposition from environmental groups, which argue that diluting the 2035 ban could undermine the push for electric vehicle adoption and climate goals [6]. Group 4: Future Directions - The future of the proposed adjustments to the ban will depend on discussions within the EU, with German leaders planning to raise the issue at the next EU summit [7].