BMW boss Zipse warns: Ban on combustion engines endangers Europe's car future!

BMW boss Zipse warns: Ban on combustion engines endangers Europe's car future!

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse sharply criticizes the EU Commission and warns of the serious consequences that punitive tariffs, trade conflicts and the planned ban on internal combustion engines could have on the European automotive industry. He describes the ban planned for 2035 as “a disaster” that endangers the innovative strength of European manufacturers. According to Zipse, current EU tariffs of almost 31% on electric car imports from Western manufacturers from China are problematic, especially for BMW, which produces cars in China and exports them to Europe. This contrasts with the tariffs that the US imposed on European models under Trump, which stood at 27.5%.

Trade with the USA is crucial for the BMW Group. The plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, produces around 430,000 vehicles annually, some of which are destined for the US market. Zipse is optimistic about the customs negotiations with the USA and is relying on a trade model for offsetting imports and exports. However, he warns of retaliatory tariffs by the EU against the USA, which could lead to a dangerous tariff spiral. In order to avoid such scenarios, Zipse calls for more cooperation and pragmatism in trade.

Technological openness is key

Zipse is calling for a technologically diverse range that includes not only electric cars, but also classic combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen vehicles. He criticizes the planned ban on new cars with combustion engines from 2035 and warns that this could endanger the competitiveness of the European car industry. Zipse believes that the ban could be overturned within three years, not least because of the high costs.

His approach includes a comprehensive consideration of the entire vehicle life cycle, which should also take low-CO₂ diesel alternatives into account. Although BMW is converting its Munich factory to pure electric car production, the company continues to rely on a variety of drive technologies. Zipse emphasizes the need not to rely solely on electric cars and battery technology, as reliance on Asian battery supply chains is critical.

Sustainability and innovative strength

BMW is making targeted investments in sustainability and is pursuing a strategy that includes alternative drives such as synthetic fuels and hydrogen technologies. Zipse sees the company as having an advantage over other manufacturers. He defends the BMW Group's hydrogen investments and describes hydrogen as having no alternative in the long term.

The private electric car market is developing slowly, partly due to a lack of cheaper models. Currently, the German power grid can only supply a maximum of half of the electric cars in the foreseeable future. At the upcoming IAA, BMW will present the new “Neue Klasse” electric car platform, with the company emphasizing that it does not want to rely solely on this form of drive.

Finally, Zipse warns of trade conflicts that could cause significant damage to the German auto industry. In order to ensure future competitiveness, he calls for international exchange and a trade and transport policy that is open to technology. This is crucial in order to protect the innovative strength and market position of the European automotive industry.

For further information on Oliver Zipse's statements, see the article Mercury and Focus.