Germany’s automotive industry association (VDA), is urging the European Commission not to ‘endanger’ job creation through premium models by excessive CO2 regulation.
In a joint briefing with German union, IG Metall, at last week’s Frankfurt motor show, both bodies stressed the country’s strong automotive tradition but insisted politicians needed to put “stable and reliable framework conditions in place” to secure the sector’s future viability.
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“Brussels, too, must recognise the point is to find a balance between ecology and economy – and make the industrial-policy preparations for Germany as an automotive location,” said VDA president, Matthias Wissmann.
“Around 60% of jobs at car manufacturers alone depend on the premium segment. They must not be endangered by an exaggerated CO2 regulation.”
A statement from the VDA noted IG Metall president Berthold Huber and Wissmann stressed the importance of super credits for cars with especially low CO2 values, which would be offset against the fleet value.
A continuation of reduction targets beyond 2020 would not make sense in the short term, noted the VDA, with Huber and Wissmann adding European politicians “should not make any statements about this until concrete experience was available regarding the success of alternative drive train technologies on the market.”
Wissmann emphasised employees and employers have benefited from a collective bargaining policy during recent years, while internationalisation of the industry in particular had safeguarded jobs in Germany.
“We need the right investment climate so innovations will continue to come from Germany,” said Wissmann. “The most important aspect here, unlike when you’re driving, is ‘take your hands off the steering wheel.’
“New tax burdens would be disastrous for small and medium-sized firms and their workforce.”
At a briefing before the Frankfurt show last week, Opel CEO and GM Europe president, Karl-Thomas Neumann also highlighted the CO2 issue.
“It’s not right one car maker can be fined for missing CO2 targets by 1g, while other industries can trade ‘green’ licences,” he said.
Opel has set a target of reducing CO2 emissions across its fleet by 27% by 2020.
