Bundesumweltminister Carsten Schneider (SPD) urged German car manufacturers to source more raw materials within the country, saying “We can already expect a little more site‑patriotism from the companies” when speaking to the “Frankfurter Rundschau”.
He stressed that Germany still needs a functioning domestic steel industry to stay independent and strong. For that reason, state support for firms such as Thyssenkrupp working toward decarbonisation is crucial. “Therefore I also favour buying from European suppliers within Europe” he said.
Schneider rejected proposals to import steel precursors from places like Saudi Arabia, where energy costs are low, and only finish them in Germany. Instead he supports lead‑market production of steel made with green hydrogen. He praised the Deutsche Bahn’s recent purchase of green European steel for its tracks and noted that the same could work for automobiles, but car makers are still reluctant.
He lamented this hesitation and wants to create new incentives. “For example, a company that still brings plug‑in hybrids to market after 2035 can offset its additional emissions by using green steel in its production. That is the German position we are advocating in Brussels” he added. “I know this may not please everyone in the industry”.
