The head of BMW criticizes the ban on internal combustion engines in the EU and the rules of the German industry

The CEO of the car giant BMW, Oliver Zipse, sharply criticized the German policy for the industry and the ban of internal combustion engines in the EU from 2035 for new gasoline and diesel cars.

"I consider the political provision to phase out internal combustion cars negligent," he told Handelsblatt on Friday.

Raw materials for the mass construction of electric cars such as lithium, cobalt and rare earths are lacking in Europe, Zipse said. Europe therefore risks becoming dependent on imports and vulnerable to political blackmail, he added.

"And where are people going to charge all those e-cars? In 2035, there will be no comprehensive infrastructure for electric cars in Europe," Zipse said. He warned: "Eventually it could become a social problem. When mobility is no longer available."

According to regulations adopted by Brussels in March, new vehicles with internal combustion engines can only be registered in the EU after 2035 if they run on climate-neutral e-fuels. This was a compromise, as Berlin in particular objected to a blanket ban.

The use of e-fuels, which can be produced from water and carbon dioxide extracted from the air using renewable energy, in road traffic is highly controversial due to their energy-intensive production.

Zipse also criticized the German auto industry, saying it was lagging behind China and focusing too much on battery power while neglecting other sources.

"Is it wise," he asked, "as a continent with a strong industry, but without its own access to the basic raw materials for batteries, to support only this one technology?"

China has developed and promoted its automotive industry throughout the value chain with a clear industrial policy strategy, the BMW chief said.

In order to mass-produce e-cars, the availability of raw materials would have to be ensured, "and that is where Europe has a structural problem."

In a bold and controversial move, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has openly criticized the European Union's plans to phase out internal combustion engines. Zips' comments sent shockwaves through the automotive industry and reignited the debate over the future of traditional internal combustion engines in Europe.

Ambitious goals of the European Union:

The European Union is at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of its most ambitious initiatives is a plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. The move aims to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce the carbon footprint of the automotive sector.

Zipse's critique:

While many applaud the EU's commitment to environmental sustainability, Zipse's recent statements have brought a different perspective to the fore. BMW's CEO argued that such a drastic ban on internal combustion engines could have damaging consequences for the German car industry, which has a strong heritage of producing internal combustion engines.

Zipse emphasized that the transition to electric vehicles should be more gradual, allowing industry and consumers to adapt without causing massive disruption and job losses. He suggested that the 2035 deadline may be too ambitious and unrealistic, given the technical and infrastructure challenges associated with the adoption of electric cars.

Concerns of German industry:

Zipse's concerns echo those of many German automakers and industry leaders. Germany is home to some of the world's best-known car manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, all of which have extensive expertise in combustion engine technology. A sudden transition to EVs could potentially disrupt the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to research and development.

In addition, the question arises as to how the EU plans to address the problem of job losses in the automotive industry. Thousands of jobs in Germany depend on the production of internal combustion engines, and a hasty transition could lead to unemployment and economic instability.

Balancing sustainability and economic impact:

The debate sparked by Zipse's comments highlights the daunting task facing policymakers and industry leaders. On the one hand, there is an urgent need to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions from transport. On the other hand, sudden transitions can have unintended economic consequences.

The key to a successful transition may lie in finding a balance between environmental goals and supporting industry transformation. This could include investment in workforce retraining and upskilling, incentives to develop EV technology, and provision of the necessary charging infrastructure.

The BMW chief's criticism of the ban on internal combustion engines in the EU has brought the complex issue of environmental sustainability versus economic impact to the fore of the automotive industry. While there is no easy solution, it is clear that a concerted effort between industry leaders, policymakers and environmental advocates is necessary to navigate the path to a more sustainable future for the automotive industry while minimizing adverse impacts on the German economy and its workforce. The debate is far from over, and discussions and negotiations about the best way to achieve these goals are likely to continue in the coming years.

In a surprising turn of events, the CEO of BMW, one of Germany's best-known car giants, has openly criticized the European Union's decision to ban internal combustion engines in the coming years. BMW boss Harald Krueger has delivered a scathing assessment of the EU's recent push into electric vehicles (EVs) and the potential implications for the German car industry. This bold stance has sparked heated debate in the automotive world and beyond. In this article, we delve into Krueger's concerns, the implications for German industry, and the broader context of the shift to EVs.

Krueger's critique

Harald Krueger was not silent when he talked about the EU's plans to phase out internal combustion engines. He argued that a sudden transition to electric cars could threaten not only BMW's business, but also the German auto industry as a whole. Krueger's primary concerns can be summarized as follows:

Infrastructure and technology gap: Krueger emphasized the need for robust charging infrastructure and advanced battery technology to support mass adoption of electric vehicles. He expressed doubts about whether Europe is ready to meet these demands in time.

Job losses: BMW's CEO expressed concern about potential job losses in the automotive sector, particularly in Germany, which is heavily dependent on traditional engine manufacturing. The shift to electric vehicles could lead to significant layoffs if not managed carefully.

Consumer preferences: Krueger argued that customers should have the freedom to choose between internal combustion engines and electric vehicles based on their individual preferences. Forcing an all-electric agenda could alienate some segments of the market.

Market competitiveness: A rapid transition to electric vehicles could give an advantage to non-European automakers that have made significant progress in EV technology. Krueger warned that this could damage the competitiveness of German carmakers.

The reaction of German industry

Krueger's criticism hit the German car industry. German automakers, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, are investing heavily in electric mobility. They are also converting their production lines to accommodate EVs. However, they share some of Krueger's concerns, particularly regarding infrastructure and job losses.

German industry leaders are calling for a more gradual transition, stressing the importance of an ecosystem that supports electric cars rather than penalizing combustion engines. They call on the EU to provide incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles and invest in charging infrastructure.

EU perspective

The European Union has set ambitious climate goals, which aim to create a carbon-neutral continent by 2050. To achieve this goal, the transition to electric vehicles is considered essential. The EU says that phasing out internal combustion engines is a necessary step in the fight against climate change, reducing air pollution and promoting sustainable transport.

While the EU acknowledges the challenges, it says the transition to electric mobility will create new opportunities, such as jobs in the renewable energy and clean technology sectors.

The clash between BMW CEO Harald Krueger and the European Union over the internal combustion engine ban reflects the complexity of the auto industry's transformation. While the environmental benefits of electric vehicles are undeniable, the concerns raised by Krueger and other industry leader semphasize the need for a balanced and well-managed transition.

The success of this transition will ultimately depend on cooperation between the automotive industry, policy makers and stakeholders to ensure a sustainable future for both the environment and the European automotive industry. As the debate intensifies, the world will be closely watching the decisions made in Germany and the EU as they move toward an electric future.