In France, electric cars will now have to deal with an ecological bonus revised downwards. In its frantic quest for savings, the now fallen government did not go as far as its German counterpart. In the absence of a budget, the latter had indeed completely opted for a removal of aid for purchase at the end of 2023. Since then, sales of “zero emission” models have plummeted. In November 2024, for example, they were falling from 21.8 % compared to the same month of the previous year.
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Social climate and electoral campaign
This obviously does not do the affairs of the local automotive industry, which has invested heavily in this type of engine and which must already compose with a difficult situation in China. The social climate is increasingly explosive across the Rhine, with a major social plan in preparation in the Volkswagen group or layoffs at various equipment manufacturers. But that also does not help the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in the countryside for his re -election While anticipated legislative elections took place on February 23, 2025.
The politician took advantage of a visit to the Ford factory in Cologne to evoke a new idea: “We need incentives to buy electric cars – in the form of a European premium or direct support for electric cars made in Germany “he wrote on his social networks on the sidelines of this passage. “We also want all of Europe to make an effort.”
What reaction of other countries?
The place chosen for this declaration is obviously symbolic. After having long produced the Ford Fiesta city car, which is now disappeared, the Cologne factory is now focusing on the manufacture of electric SUVs Explorer and Capri. The success of these two models developed in partnership with Volkswagen will therefore be crucial for the future of employees on this site, and it is still far from being insured. Moreover, the Ford factory is currently in partial unemployment for lack of sufficient demand. But not sure that all of Europe is willing to get their hands in the pocket for this unprecedented purchase bonus which would especially benefit countries with a strong automotive industry … starting with Germany.
