The automotive industry demands reliable framework conditions.

"2026 must be the year of reliability for mobility, so that it remains permanently affordable and sustainable in Germany." This is the demand of the ZDK at its New Year's summit in Berlin.

"2026 must be the year of reliable mobility." That was the demand of the Central Association of the German Motor Vehicle Industry (ZDK) at its New Year's summit in Berlin with guests from politics, associations and the automotive industry. After many upheavals and increasing uncertainty, motorists depend on reliable political and economic framework conditions so that mobility in Germany remains affordable and sustainable in the long term.

The one from the Federal government The planned subsidies for electric vehicles, with a funding pool of up to three billion euros, certainly provide a good incentive. However, the funding guidelines are bogged down in minutiae of bureaucratic regulations. "Our customers need planning certainty, not further uncertainty. Mobility must be affordable for people, and the switch to electric vehicles must be feasible," explained ZDK President Thomas Peckruhn.

"Electromobility needs reliable funding"

At the end of January, customers were still unclear about what documentation they needed to provide to receive the subsidy. Crucially for Germany's automotive industry and prospective buyers, they need to know when they can expect the purchase premium so they can factor it into their financing terms. Peckruhn stated, "What we don't need right now is further uncertainty and consumer reluctance."

It is crucial that demand is noticeably strengthened and more vehicles are brought to market by private customers. Such a market ramp-up can only succeed with a reliable support framework that allows policymakers to regain the trust of both businesses and consumers.

Effective lever for climate protection

"The ramp-up of electromobility needs this boost. The new subsidies can noticeably raise demand to a broader and more sustainable foundation if they are finally designed reliably and implemented immediately," said Peckruhn. More electric vehicles on the market would also act as an effective lever for climate protection without placing an additional financial burden on people.

A successful market ramp-up dampens the mechanism of ever-increasing CO₂ prices and helps to ensure broader societal acceptance of the transformation. "Climate protection won't be achieved through ever-higher prices, but through more vehicles on the road. Smart subsidies will relieve the burden on consumers and businesses alike and reduce additional CO₂ price increases."

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