BMW Boss Warns Against Abandoning Internal Combustion Engines in EU

Oliver Zipse's Half-Year 2024 Speech

Focal Points

In a recent speech, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse warned against the European Union's plans to abandon internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. He argued that the EU's goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 could be achieved without a complete phase-out of ICE vehicles.

Zipse pointed to BMW's own commitment to sustainability, stating that the company would be at least as profitable when selling electric vehicles as it is with ICE vehicles. He also emphasized BMW's efforts to reduce emissions from its ICE vehicles, such as through the use of advanced technologies.

Zipse's speech has sparked debate within the automotive industry and among environmental groups. Some agree with his assessment that a complete phase-out of ICE vehicles is premature, while others argue that the EU must take more aggressive action to address climate change.