EU's prohibition on incinerators poses a threat to hundreds of thousands of jobs, according to Söder

In a move to support the struggling German automotive industry, Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder has drawn up a ten-point plan for the International Automobile Show IAA Mobility in Munich. The plan includes several key initiatives aimed at securing the future of the industry.

One of the main proposals is the reduction of driving license costs, a measure designed to encourage more people to learn to drive and potentially boost car sales. Söder has expressed his belief that the car is a matter of fate for the German industry, and without it, there is a risk of collapse in the German economy.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has also announced a dialogue with German car manufacturers and their suppliers about the future of the automotive industry. This dialogue, which will take place in the context of the International Automobile Show and the EU's planned ban on new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035, is intended to address the challenges facing the industry, such as a sales slump, competition from China, the shift towards e-mobility, and trade disputes.

In addition to the reduction of driving license costs, the plan also includes the expansion of charging infrastructure to support the growing trend towards electric vehicles. VW CEO Oliver Blume has expressed his support for e-mobility as the future of the industry, and Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius has emphasized the importance of this dialogue for the future of the industry, jobs, and the competitiveness of Germany and Europe.

The plan also calls for the development of autonomous driving technology, a key area of innovation for the industry. Furthermore, the plan seeks to strengthen the supply industry, ensuring that the German automotive sector remains competitive and resilient in the face of global challenges.

One contentious point in the plan is Söder's renewed demand to scrap the EU-wide ban on new cars with internal combustion engines planned for 2035. This proposal has been met with criticism from environmental groups, who argue that the move would be detrimental to efforts to combat climate change.

Despite these challenges, the German government and car manufacturers are determined to find a solution that will secure the future of the industry and protect jobs in Germany. The dialogue between the government and the industry is expected to be a key step in this process.

EU's prohibition on incinerators poses a threat to hundreds of thousands of jobs, according to Söder