(Gemini Audio)
(de-news.net) – Despite mounting economic pressures on automotive parts suppliers, Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) has reiterated his firm commitment to the European Union’s proposed ban on the registration of new combustion engine vehicles from the year 2035, underscoring the policy’s critical role in advancing climate protection objectives. According to recent media reports, the Social Democratic Party official acknowledged the financial strain currently affecting numerous suppliers. However, he emphasized that a substantial number of companies have already adapted to the forthcoming regulatory framework and therefore merit legal certainty and continued policy stability.
Within the governing coalition, consensus on the appropriate course of action regarding the combustion phase-out remains elusive. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly announced his intention to advocate for the reversal of the ban at the European level, citing concerns about its economic impact and feasibility. This initiative is part of broader efforts to recalibrate Germany’s approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector. The debate surrounding Germany’s official position is intensifying in the lead-up to a high-level automotive summit convened by the Chancellor, scheduled to take place at the Federal Chancellery this Thursday.
Meanwhile, recent figures released by the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg indicate a notable shift in consumer behavior and market dynamics. In the previous month, approximately one in five newly registered passenger vehicles in Germany were fully electric, amounting to nearly 46,000 battery-powered units. This represents a significant year-on-year increase of almost 32 percent compared to September 2024.
Hybrid vehicles accounted for more than half of all new registrations, reflecting growing public interest in alternative propulsion technologies. Although gasoline-powered cars continue to dominate overall registration numbers, their market share has declined to just under 27 percent, suggesting a gradual but steady transition away from conventional internal combustion engines.
