In view of the energy and climate crisis, Audi CEO Markus Duesmann has called for a rethink of German transport policy. He told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” that people had to save in the energy crisis. But money “as the only regulator” is not enough: “In order to better tune us in Germany to the situation and the need to save, there could be car-free days again, like in the 1970s.” A speed limit is also given in view of the high fuel prices appropriate in Germany, says Duesmann.
“We have to rethink, realize that our lives are changing,” argues the Audi chairman. You also have to see the advantages of such measures, Duesmann continued: “If it’s a Sunday, I’ll ride my racing bike on the closed motorway.”
With a large, precisely readable scale (display)
With this, Duesmann not only contradicts the transport policy of the FDP and Minister Volker Wissing, but also the Association of the Automotive Industry. President Hildegard Müller recently dismissed the proposals for speed limits and car-free days. Motorists would need “no instructions,” said Müller.
Audi also has to rethink economically. According to Duesmann, there are “first signs” that orders in Europe are declining – a possible indicator of the turnaround in the global economy. Although production is currently running at full capacity, “but what about in a year’s time?” His forecast: “Something is coming our way, we can’t rule anything out – that’s what we’re discussing in the management team.”
The car manufacturer from Ingolstadt has already announced that it does not want to bring any new petrol or diesel engines onto the market from 2026 onwards. According to the plan, only electric vehicles will roll off the production line by 2033. Duesmann, on the other hand, is not worried about the increased energy prices, including for electricity. “We will therefore not adjust our strategy.” However, other car brands in the VW Group, on whose board Duesmann also sits, “may produce combustion cars a few years longer than planned if the energy situation remains the same in the coming years.” Whether speed limit and car-free days will be a reality by then, time will tell.
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