German chancellor Angela Merkel has renewed her pledge to avoid diesel driving bans and suggested that the technology will be needed for decades to help reduce CO2 as the auto industry develops more electric vehicles.

Her support for diesel technology echoes statements from high-ranking executives in Germany’s auto industry, in spite of the problems associated with Volkswagen’s ‘dieselgate’ problems.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

According to Bloomberg, Merkel called on the country’s auto industry to invest in new technologies and clean up the diesel engines currently in use. The chancellor met state and municipal leaders on Monday, pledging to double a federal clean-air fund to 1 billion euros , the report added.

“We’ll need combustion engines for years and decades – and still at the same time we’ll have to take the bridge, the path towards new mobility and new engines,” Merkel told lawmakers in the Bundestag lower house of parliament.

Merkel is running for a fourth term in Germany’s federal elections (September 24).

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now