New VDIK President Lohscheller Calls for Growth Incentives - Luksic Against Tariffs

Since yesterday, Michael Lohscheller is the new president of the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK). Lohscheller was unanimously elected as VDIK president by an extraordinary members' assembly in February. He succeeds Reinhard Zirpel, who did not run for re-election after eight years in office. Upon assuming office, Lohscheller emphasized the strong position of international automobile manufacturers in Germany during the association's evening event in Berlin. He also advocated for a turnaround in economic policy.

“The international manufacturers are a central part of Germany's automotive sector and sell over one million passenger vehicles and more than 100,000 commercial vehicles annually in this country. We are concerned about the economic strength of the nation. It is high time to noticeably relieve companies and consumers, reduce bureaucracy, and thus create growth incentives. A stagnant economy and declining purchasing power are not conducive to car sales, whether German or international vehicles. Germany can do better,” said the new VDIK president.

In his greeting, Oliver Luksic, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, emphasized how important it is that individual mobility in Germany remains affordable. International automobile manufacturers play a significant role in this. This came after the EU Commission announced yesterday the introduction of provisional, additional import duties of up to 38.1 percent on e-cars from China, effective July 4.

“Vehicle import is not always a simple business. The truth is that tariffs lead to counter-tariffs. Moreover, international manufacturers are significant clients for German suppliers. The German economy would not benefit from a trade war,” added Luksic.