The upcoming national automotive dialogue in Lower Saxony is poised to become a battleground for diverging strategies on the future of combustion engines, with the state’s CDU leader, Sebastian Lechner, issuing a direct challenge to the federal government’s current trajectory. Lechner is demanding a definitive commitment to preserving the combustion engine beyond the EU’s planned ban on new registrations from 2035, arguing that blanket prohibition stifles innovation and jeopardizes Germany’s automotive competitiveness.
In an interview with the “Rheinische Post” Lechner asserted the need to “abandon the combustion engine ban” framing it as an ideological roadblock to effective climate action. He contends that a technology-agnostic approach, rather than rigid regulation, is essential to balance environmental protection and maintaining the strength of the automotive sector, a cornerstone of the German economy.
Lower Saxony, frequently described as the ‘heart’ of German automotive industry, is acutely aware of the risks inherent in a rapid and uncompromising transition. Tens of thousands of jobs are directly linked to Volkswagen and its extensive network of suppliers within the region. Lechner stressed the urgency of providing a pragmatic and viable outlook for the industry, warning against the imposition of further regulatory burdens.
While acknowledging the imperative of achieving climate neutrality, Lechner argued the debate has become dangerously fixated on a singular solution. He is advocating for a more inclusive strategy, emphasizing the inclusion of synthetic fuels (“E-Fuels”), hybrid technologies and other emerging powertrain solutions. This is a clear signal that a one-size-fits-all approach risks leaving behind crucial technological advancements and potentially devastating the economic stability of regions like Lower Saxony. The coming dialogue will likely reveal just how deeply entrenched the divisions are within the government’s approach to this pivotal industry transformation.
