German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for immediate support from all European Union countries to help the struggling electric car industry.
Speaking during a visit to Ford's factory in Cologne, he warned that without action, jobs and the future of Europe’s auto industry could be at risk.
Germany’s auto industry, one of the country’s key economic pillars, is facing serious challenges. Over 10,000 jobs are at stake, with companies like Ford already announcing plans to cut around 4,000 jobs in Europe by 2027.
"The shift to electric cars needs strong, coordinated action across Europe to protect jobs and keep the industry competitive," Scholz said, according to Handelsblatt.
At Ford's Cologne plant, where traditional models like the Mondeo and Fiesta have already been discontinued, Scholz emphasized the need for support to help automakers transition to electric vehicles.
The Focus model is also set to be phased out by early 2025.
One of the key challenges is convincing European consumers to buy electric cars, which are often more expensive than traditional vehicles. Scholz called for EU-wide sales incentives and support programs to make electric cars more affordable and attractive to buyers.
"We need sales measures that work across Europe," he stressed.
Without immediate action, Scholz warned, Germany’s leading role in the global car market could come under serious threat, along with thousands of jobs.
