Overview

• He told a Berlin event that he is lobbying the European Commission to lift the rule ending approval of new CO₂‑emitting cars in 2035.
• He argued for technology openness so automakers and suppliers can choose their path to CO₂ neutrality.
• He said synthetic e‑fuels must remain an option because many combustion vehicles will stay on the road.
• A 2023 EU regulation would effectively end new petrol and diesel car sales from 2035 unless vehicles run on CO₂‑neutral fuels.
• Industry groups seek looser timelines as EV uptake lags, while critics warn that weakening the rule threatens climate targets and could expose Germany to costly penalties.