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Merkel Offers to Help Germany’s Carmakers With ‘Herculean Task’

  • German leader wants to change consumer habits with CO2 price‘
  • ‘Climate protection is a task for mankind,’ chancellor says
Electric Porsche Taycan production in Stuttgart.

Electric Porsche Taycan production in Stuttgart.

Photographer: Michaela Handrek-Rehle/Bloomberg
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Chancellor Angela Merkel wants to help offset the higher costs of cleaner vehicles by putting a price on carbon-dioxide emissions, potentially offering a lift to Germany’s vital auto industry as it grapples with the high-risk transition away from the combustion engine.

Germany and its automakers are facing a “Herculean task,” Merkel said Thursday at a ceremony opening the Frankfurt car show to the public. While short on specifics, the German leader backed efforts to encourage consumers to buy more environmentally friendly products such as battery-powered cars fueled by renewable power.