German car dealers are looking gloomily toward 2026, even after the federal government rolled out a new electric‑vehicle subsidy at the turn of the year. A survey of 590 members of the Central Association of German Vehicle Trade (ZDK), reported by “Welt am Sonntag”, shows that 42 % of the firms anticipate falling sales in 2026, while only one in five expects any improvement. Moreover, half of the respondents rate their current situation as worse than in a similar poll conducted in the summer of 2025.
ZDK president Thomas Peckruhn noted that the announcement of the subsidy initially sparked enthusiasm among dealers, but that they now need a faster and more concrete rollout. He cited the fact that the online platform for applying for the subsidy will not go live until May, which creates uncertainty for potential buyers. “Customers want to be sure they’ll actually receive the money” Peckruhn said.
Further disruptions arise from manufacturers’ announcements that they will keep offering internal‑combustion models longer than originally planned. Peckruhn warned, “That makes people think, and those who think do not buy”. He urged that the application platform be launched as soon as possible. “Three billion euros are earmarked for this, yet they’re not being accessed” he added.
