A position paper outlining the future of the German automotive industry, drafted collaboratively by the Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) parliamentary group, is generating discussion. The document, titled “Position Paper for IAA 2025” and referencing the International Motor Show in Munich, details a series of recommendations and concerns regarding the industry’s continued development.
A key point raised within the paper highlights potential job losses stemming from the transition to electric vehicles. The VDA advocates for government investment to stimulate renewed industrial activity and create new employment opportunities within Germany. Alongside improved mobile network infrastructure along highways, the paper calls for additional funding from the Special Assets Infrastructure fund to modernize highways and federal roads.
The document’s collaborative nature is evident through a system of annotations, reportedly added by Member of Parliament Tilman Kuban and his staff, distinguished by red text supporting the VDA’s points. These additions include calls for a national, expedited program focused on reducing bureaucratic processes, alongside the immediate repeal of the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.
While the parliamentary group mentions employee qualification programs, Kuban’s annotations express reservations, citing current job reductions and a perceived lack of skills shortages – a viewpoint shared by the VDA. The paper also criticizes what it describes as a “sweeping ban on combustion engines” aligning with the VDA’s perspective. A further amendment proposes eliminating “excessive emission limit regulation” and argues for stronger wording regarding penalties, suggesting the abolition or suspension of financial penalties.
The VDA, through a designated section, emphasizes the “essential” need for a proactive expansion of electricity and hydrogen networks. Kuban’s team underscored the significance of this point, advocating for its higher placement within the document.
When approached for comment, the CDU parliamentary group declined to offer extensive details regarding the paper’s creation, though they did not refute its existence. The VDA has characterized the collaborative process as a routine and democratically acceptable engagement with industry expertise. A spokesperson emphasized that the inclusion of any particular assessment remains ultimately at the discretion of those responsible for the final document.
