The Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK) is critical of the draft Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) presented today by the EU Commission. Initiatives to increase location attractiveness and innovation were expected. Instead, the Commission is now presenting bureaucratic market access and material requirements.
VDIK President Imelda Labbé: “If the proposed material requirements regarding EU origin and CO2 reduction are included in the final version in various places, this would create an unmanageable bureaucratic monster and further cost burdens – for all automobile manufacturers and their customers. Attractive location conditions and competition are basic prerequisites for innovation. Innovation leadership in open markets and global networking is crucial for the future of the automotive industry. Unfortunately, today’s draft does not live up to this European aspiration.”
One positive aspect for the ramp-up of electric mobility in Germany is that the draft has no impact on the current subsidy program for private customers, which applies retroactively from January 1, 2026. This means that vehicles from all brands of international car manufacturers will continue to be eligible for subsidies.
VDIK President Imelda Labbé: “This is a positive sign for customers who are looking for affordable models in the electric car segment and now want to take advantage of the federal government’s subsidy. International manufacturers in particular are making it possible for broad sections of the population, including those with lower and middle incomes, to enter the world of electric mobility with affordable vehicles.”
In the current draft, barriers have been removed for markets with which free trade relations exist. “We have closely followed the development process of the IAA draft over the past few weeks and welcome the fact that the focus on international automotive trade links and reciprocity has increasingly been incorporated into the drafts. However, there is still room for improvement,” Labbé continued.
