German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Backs Carmakers Ahead of EU 2035 Ban

Opening the Munich Motor Show, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed strong support for the domestic auto industry, urging “intelligent, reliable, and flexible” EU regulation. His remarks precede EU talks on the 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars.
German automakers—BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen—are calling for greater technological flexibility, arguing that the transition to electrification remains too slow. Meanwhile, more than 150 EV-focused companies have urged Brussels not to weaken climate targets.
Amid rising Chinese competition and 50,000 job losses in the industry during the past year, Merz announced a national dialogue with regional leaders and unions to safeguard industrial competitiveness and employment.