German Coalition to Unite Behind Dilution of EU Combustion Ban
Germany’s bid to water down the combustion engine ban is part of a broader effort to support the nation’s ailing automakers.
Photographer: Alex Kraus/BloombergGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to unify his ruling alliance behind his push for the European Union to dilute its 2035 ban on new combustion-engine vehicles in talks Wednesday evening.
The conservative leader, who’s due to host top auto executives and labor officials for a “car summit” on Thursday, wants manufacturers to be allowed to pursue a softer path to climate neutrality, including allowing new plug-in hybrids and battery-powered vehicles fitted with small engines to extend driving ranges beyond 2035.