The German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK) is examining and commenting on the plans for the passenger car energy label, the right to repair, vehicle cybersecurity, and the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive. (Photo: © welcomia/123RF.com)
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March 2026
The automotive industry is committed to practical, sustainable framework conditions for its businesses. The ZDK (German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs) is focusing on four regulatory projects that are important for mobility.
The Central Association of the German Motor Vehicle Industry The German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK) is contributing to four current regulatory projects, calling for practical and reliable framework conditions for businesses that "professionally maintain vehicles for many years." These businesses are crucial for sustainable mobility. The ZDK is examining and commenting on the plans for the passenger car energy label, the right to repair, vehicle cybersecurity, and the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive.
Sustainable mobility begins with the vehicle fleet – not just in the showroom, according to the German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK). "These topics are crucial for sustainable mobility," emphasizes ZDK President Thomas Peckruhn. "But they aren't decided on paper, but rather in the daily operations of our automotive businesses. It is the workshops and dealerships that professionally maintain, repair, and service vehicles for years – that's precisely where sustainable mobility is shaped." From the ZDK's perspective, the four initiatives on transparency, digital security, the circular economy, and warranty law all revolve around a common core question.
"Who bears responsibility for the ever-aging cars?" Passenger cars remain in service longer, change owners frequently, and require technical maintenance for many years. Sustainable mobility is therefore not solely determined when buying a new car, but primarily throughout the subsequent life cycles of a vehicle. "The older the vehicles become, the more important the role of the businesses that service them becomes. Only through expert maintenance, repairs, and technical support can cars remain safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly," explains Peckruhn.
The energy label is intended to create transparency for consumers. However, blanket labeling requirements are not always sensible in the used car market, because type approval values from the new vehicle phase often do not reflect the actual condition after several years of use, including modifications. "Transparency must not become a legal trap for dealers," warns Peckruhn. Labeling requirements must be informative, practical, and legally sound. Trust is the foundation of every purchasing decision, and for that, realistic rules are needed.
Operations management
Craft policy
Operations management
Vehicles are now largely software-defined, and safety-relevant systems depend on updates. Vehicle manufacturers refer to a proposal as the "End of Cybersecurity Support," according to which, after a certain point, they can only assume an observational role in the digital protection of the vehicles they produce. Due to rapid technological advancements, individual components could become so outdated that they no longer meet modern digital requirements.
This must not lead to unforeseen risks for consumers or affect cyber support for safety-relevant components. "Cybersecurity is a central part of road safety. It has no expiration date," emphasizes Peckruhn. Responsibility for vehicle safety must remain with the vehicle manufacturers and not be shifted to dealerships or workshops. At the same time, automotive businesses need access to the vehicle system, relevant information, and transparency regarding the scope of support and potential risks throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle.
The EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive aims to strengthen recycling and keep raw materials in circulation. However, the crucial point is the distinction: is it an end-of-life vehicle or a repairable used car? Peckruhn: "Vehicles must not be prematurely classified as scrap." Classifications must be based on a qualified technical assessment. Businesses possess the necessary expertise to decide whether a vehicle should continue to be operated, repaired, or recycled. The established system of accrediting qualified automotive businesses through the automotive trade associations must remain in place under the new End-of-Life Vehicles Directive.
The right to repair aims to extend the lifespan of products. "Our automotive workshops ensure daily that vehicles are professionally repaired and remain reliable and safe on our roads," says Peckruhn. However, planned changes to warranty law are risky. "Liability must be based on the specific defect – not on the entire vehicle." Blanket regulations could lead to vehicles being prematurely forced out of the market and their service life being unnecessarily shortened.
Source: ZDK
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