Demonstrators voice opposition outside IAA debut, criticizing auto-centric obsession

Demonstrators voice opposition outside IAA debut, criticizing automotive excessive behavior - Crowd voices opposition to "Auto-mania" outbreak

The IAA car show, scheduled to open in Munich, is facing a protest from activist group Attac. The group is critical of the auto industry, claiming that it resists voluntary change and prioritises profit over climate neutrality, thereby blocking the transport transition.

The protest is centred around a symbolic act: the sinking of a cardboard "Autosaurus" in the exhibition lake. The dinosaur head and a car roof, now submerged, remain as visible reminders of the outdated car industry that the activists are targeting.

A banner reading "Buses and trains instead of car madness" was held aloft by the protesters, emphasising their call for a shift away from individual car ownership towards more sustainable modes of transport. The activists also replaced advertising posters with satirical images criticising the industry’s resource hunger and greenwashing.

Despite the protest, the opening ceremony of the IAA car show will take place in the presence of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). The show, which is known for its innovative displays, has not added any new cars or features to the lake.

The activists have demanded that the "Autosaurus" should sink, symbolising the need for the car industry to evolve and adapt to the challenges of climate change. The "Autosaurus", a visible feature on the exhibition grounds, is considered by Attac to represent an unredeemable car industry.

The protest against "Car Madness" at the IAA exhibition continues, with activists calling for a more sustainable approach to the automotive industry. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, the debate over the role of the car industry in this crisis is far from over.