Despite his jogging accident, the Chancellor wants to appear in Munich today. The auto industry is curious what he says about industrial electricity prices, job security and China.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) wants to officially open the IAA Mobility car and transport trade fair in Munich today. The automotive industry is hoping for a clear positioning from him on the much-discussed industrial electricity price, which would relieve them in global competition. It is about possible subsidies for particularly energy-intensive industries. From the point of view of the industry, an extension of the purchase premiums for e-cars in Germany would also help to achieve the goals targeted by the government.
Vice-Chancellor and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) sees the manufacturers themselves as responsible: In order for Germany to play at the forefront of global competition, it is important “that the most innovative, best-quality and most climate-friendly vehicles are built here,” Habeck told the newspapers of the Funke media group. “This requires important strategic decisions and high investments in future technologies from battery cell production to software development. This is where the companies are in demand.” The federal government is supporting the automotive industry with over six billion euros in the years 2023 to 2026.
In view of the growing concern about de-industrialization, Chancellor Scholz could also comment on job security in Munich. In view of the importance of the Chinese car market for VW, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, his statements on China are also eagerly awaited. During a tour of the exhibition grounds, photographers are hoping for fresh pictures of the chancellor, who has been wearing a black eye patch since a fall at the weekend. Despite the mishap, he did not cancel the appointment. The police are particularly alert to possible protest actions by climate protectionists during the chancellor’s visit.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors expected in downtown Munich
The networking of the various modes of transport is already a topic at a forum at which Lufthansa boss Carsten Spohr and Deutsche Bahn boss Richard Lutz speak with the president of the Association of the German Automobile Industry, Hildegard Müller. Then VW CEO Oliver Blume and Hollywood actress Natalie Portman get the stage. Portman has promoted more climate protection in the USA and wants to talk about it at the fair.
After the car manufacturers and suppliers presented their new products to the specialist audience on Monday at the exhibition center, the IAA will also open its doors to the general public on Tuesday. Above all, the free exhibition areas in downtown Munich, where the car manufacturers show their vehicles and also offer test drives, are likely to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors again in the coming days. Autonomously driving minibuses in the English Garden and new bicycles, e-bikes and cargo bikes are also available for testing at the IAA Mobility.
In addition, many protest actions by climate activists are to be expected again. Already on Monday there were street blockades in Munich.
Source: Stern
