Image: VOLKER WEIHBOLD
“Changes will be necessary to the European guidelines”he predicts to the magazine “Pragmaticus”. According to the economist, the deadline is too tight across the EU; all we need to do is look to the east. “Exceptions will be necessary. But I don’t think the entire decision will be overturned.”
- From the archive: Europe’s lonely race for CO2 reduction and e-mobility (OÖNplus)
Auto industry: Farewell to the mass market
The European car industry will move away from the mass market altogether “have to say goodbye slowly”says Felbermayr in the interview with a view to the increasing automobile exports from China to Europe. But there are punitive tariffs “not the right strategy in the long term” to defend yourself against it. There is a need to respond holistically; according to him, the Wifo boss doesn’t believe in supporting the industry.
Things are likely to be particularly difficult for French and Italian manufacturers”believes Felbermayr. “Brands with premium claims still have advantages in the competition. The Chinese will also try to penetrate the high-margin luxury segment. But they can’t even convince their own customers there at the moment.” So that could also be difficult in Europe.
- Also read: VCÖ criticizes: Almost every second new car is an SUV
“Are no longer so dependent on Germany”
Felbermayr believes that domestic suppliers have opportunities in the growing electronics sector, even if the combustion engine market is shrinking. “The last few years have shown that we are no longer as dependent on Germany as was the case in the past”he said to “Pragmaticus”. However, 900 companies in Austria with around 81,000 employees still depend directly on the German automotive industry.
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