State support has become crucial for the survival of Germany's auto industry as the sector faces stagnation, mass layoffs and a difficult shift to electric vehicles. German makers such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz trail Chinese rivals in software innovation and EV adoption while BYD and Nio expand in Europe with cheaper, tech-focused models. US protectionist measures have weakened export performance. Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged scrapping the EU's planned 2035 internal combustion sales ban, labeling it a 'straitjacket' and advocating technology-enabling policies. The 2035 ban is under European Commission review amid intense industry lobbying. Analysts warn that calls to delay the transition risk undermining consumer confidence.
"we should not ban: We should enable technologies, and that is my goal."
"Consumers need clarity, not ambiguity, within these uncertain market conditions,"
"straitjacket"
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