Advocating for a Powerful Hub in the Automotive Industry (Mayor)

Title: Mayors Unite for a Strong, Sustainable Automotive Future

Mobile Unlock: The European Union is facing a critical juncture, and not just in politics. The automotive industry, once the backbone of growth, innovation, and prosperity in Europe, is on the verge of deindustrialization. In response, a formidable alliance of municipal leaders has risen, spearheaded by the "Mayors for a Strong Automotive Location" initiative. Their mission? To secure the international competitiveness of the German automotive industry and safeguard hundreds of thousands of jobs across major urban centers.

Strength in Numbers:15 influential cities have come together in this collaborative initiative. Mayors hailing from key automotive cities, including Stuttgart, Wolfsburg, Friedrichshafen, and Saarbrücken, have already joined forces, with 11 more administrative heads following suit. This diverse coalition, spanning across party lines, represents the collective determination of urban leaders to shape the transition of the automotive sector in a way that ensures climate resilience, innovation, and sustainable mobility policies.

On the Line: As the time for decisive action draws near, these leaders have penned a 7-point demand paper, addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, pushing for a series of measures that will ensure a strong and competitive automotive industry for Europe.

A clear commitment to the automotive and automotive supplier industry as the backbone of economic growth, stability, and jobs in Europe.
Embracing openness in drive technology, focusing on a mix of solutions - from electromobility to alternatives while avoiding a combustion engine ban.
Advocating for fair competitive conditions in Europe to attract international investment and maintain a globally-oriented, export-oriented automotive economy.
Suspending the fines imposed on automotive manufacturers by the EU for failing to meet CO2 fleet limit values, as the industry grapples with significant technological change.
Fostering innovation and technical progress, by establishing a reliable, predictable funding framework for research and development in the automotive sector, prioritizing hydrogen drives and new battery technologies, along with the necessary infrastructure.
Accelerating the expansion of fast-charging stations and power grids through a European funding program.
Ensuring that the transformation process places minimal burden on citizens and municipalities, with a focus on feasibility and affordability.

Better Together: These high-ranking mayors are in agreement that Europe requires a culture of performance and competition, and a strong, competitive automotive industry. "Brands like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche stand not only for economic success but also for the performance and innovation spirit of our companies and employees," they write. However, the industry faces mounting challenges, including damage to trust, excessive bureaucracy, high costs, and skilled labor shortages, all of which threaten the viability of the German automotive industry.

With the stakes so high, the initiative aims to spark dialogue with automotive associations, and present their demands to the new federal and state governments following the upcoming elections. The urban debate about the future of automotive industry will not fade away - it will only persist and intensify, driven by the collective will of the mayors for a strong, sustainable, and competitive automotive future for Europe.

For more information on similar initiatives and the broader context of urban leadership in shaping sustainable mobility systems, check out the resources below.

C40 Cities' Mobility Lab
Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs)
Cities Race to Lead on Climate Action

The coalition of 26 city mayors, collectively known as "Mayors for a Strong Automotive Location," is advocating for the German automotive industry, which they view as crucial for financial stability, innovation, and employment.
In a joint statement, the mayors highlighted the need for a culture of competition and performance within the industry, emphasizing the significance of brands like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsway.
The alliance has drafted a 7-point demand paper to be presented to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, seeking measures to support the industry, such as fair competition conditions, innovation funding, and affordable infrastructure.
As part of their broader mission in policy-and-legislation, these urban leaders are fostering dialogue with automotive associations and preparing to engage with the upcoming federal and state governments in efforts to shape the future of the automotive industry in a sustainable and competitive manner.