Federal Minister of Transport visits the IAA International Motor Show

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany--“You really get this feeling of being at the start of a new electric automotive age at the IAA” reported Federal Minister of Transport, Wolfgang Tiefensee, at his visit today to the International Motor Show (IAA). “The manufacturers are offering many designs of electric car – now it is important that the technology gets through to the market. In the coming months we will be reflecting on how to promote the sales of these vehicles. One fact is clear – the state needs to get involved here in some way.”

The Federal Minister of Transport spent two hours touring the motor show, looking at the new vehicles and new promises being unveiled by German automobile manufacturers. “Driving has to be fun” emphasized Tiefensee. “The IAA demonstrates that you can have a really efficient engine, consuming less and producing less CO₂ in a car that hits the spot in emotional terms. The German automotive industry in particular is leading by example with innovations that combine new, environmentally friendly technologies with the latest safety standards and fantastic design.”

The Minister’s eye was especially taken by the hybrid and battery-powered cars on the Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford and Volkswagen stands. Tiefensee was of the opinion that electric power alone was not the solution. “We need a range of technologies – we need to make gasoline and diesel engines even more efficient, while also promoting bio fuels and in particular electric vehicles and hydrogen power.” When in Berlin, the Minister travels in a hydrogen-powered car on official business.

The topic of the numerous discussions held between the Minister and representatives of the automotive manufacturers and suppliers was also the collapse of the world automobile markets. Tiefensee said “The automotive industry has been hit badly by the economic crisis, so it was definitely correct that the Federal Government came to the aid of this key sector.”

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