VDIK: Continue to use all climate-friendly drive technologies in the future

Members’ Meeting in Berlin – 70 Years of VDIK

“2022 is a very difficult year for the German automotive market. Hopes for a recovery have become paler by the month. The increasing external disruptions to production are causing far more trouble for the automotive industry than we had expected. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see that the VDIK members managed to buck the downward trend somewhat better than the market as a whole. They were able to slightly increase their market share to slightly more than 40 percent in the first five months.” This was stated by Reinhard Zirpel, President of the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, today on the occasion of the members’ meeting at the VDIK’s Berlin representative office.

The discussions at the members’ meeting focused on climate protection and the question of the powertrains of the future. Reinhard Zirpel emphasized: “The international manufacturers are committed to the international and national climate targets. The companies have each set ambitious targets and I have no doubt that they will achieve them.” With regard to the political framework, the international manufacturers are calling for a technology-neutral assessment and use of all drive technologies. Says Zirpel: “The international vehicle manufacturers are each setting their own priorities when it comes to the powertrain of the future: Electric cars, hybrids with and without plugs, mild hybrids, gas and fuel cell vehicles, as well as ever more economical gasoline and diesel engines. International manufacturers are achieving CO2 targets in different ways.”

Zirpel also addressed the tightening of CO2 fleet targets for new cars in the EU that is under discussion. The EU would thus de facto seal the end of the combustion engine in new cars from 2035. Even stricter targets would only be achievable if Europe and the member states also create the necessary conditions for this. These are strong purchase incentives and a comprehensive refueling and charging infrastructure throughout the EU. Zirpel: “As long as it is not clear whether the necessary infrastructure for zero-emission cars will be built quickly enough, it would be better to wait before making a final commitment for 2035. In the future, it should still be possible to use all drive technologies that enable climate-friendly mobility.”

The VDIK will also celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2022. In 1952, the VDIK was launched in Frankfurt am Main to represent the interests of the importers of motor vehicles in the Federal Republic of Germany. Zirpel said: “What the founding members set out to do 70 years ago, we as VDIK are still doing today. But the small association of importers that sold a few thousand new cars in Germany in 1952 has become a strong, recognized association that powerfully represents its members in Germany with great experience.”