United Front Against the Proposed Burn Waste Ban by IAA

The International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich is set to remain in the city for the next six years, with a new agreement reached for three more editions. However, the event has been met with protests and calls for changes in EU climate policy towards the automotive industry.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder have both advocated for changes to the planned ban on internal combustion engines. Merz aims to achieve competitiveness and effective climate protection through technology openness, while Söder renewed his call for a departure from the ban and for CO2 targets to be "adjusted to reality."

Hildegard Müller, president of the Association of the Automotive Industry, has joined the chorus, calling for a reality check and a course correction in EU climate policy towards the industry. Müller argues that the ban on new internal combustion engines from 2035 and regulations on CO2 fleet emissions need adjustment to ensure success in achieving climate neutrality. She also states that consumers are not yet sufficiently prepared to switch to electric mobility.

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), represented by Mercedes CEO and ACEA President Ola Källenius, has also advocated for the 2035 combustion engine ban and fleet CO2 emission rules to be made more flexible. ACEA seeks to allow space for plug-in hybrids, range extenders, highly efficient combustion engines, hydrogen, and decarbonized fuels.

However, globalization-critical network Attac criticizes the industry, claiming that it does not prioritize climate neutrality and only cares about profit with ever larger and more harmful cars. Attac sunk an "Autosaurus" in a body of water in front of the exhibition entrance to protest the celebration of ever larger cars and a 'business as usual' attitude at the IAA.

Extinction Rebellion also staged a protest, using the water surface in front of the exhibition to portray floating corpses, criticizing the climate crisis killing people. Further protest actions are expected to take place during the exhibition, as was the case at previous IAA Mobility events.

Merz's tour of the exhibition included discussions about the topic at Schaeffler, Mahle, and ZF, where the industry has repeatedly made similar demands. Söder believes that the current ban, as designed, is wrong and should be replaced by other alternatives.

Despite the controversy, the IAA Mobility event continues to attract attention, showcasing the latest innovations in the automotive industry. The debate surrounding climate policy and the future of the combustion engine is likely to continue in the coming years.