Cem Özdemir, the Greens’ Spitzenkandidat for the March 8, 2026 Baden‑Württemberg Landtag election, has made the future of the automobile a centerpiece of his campaign, whereas Bavarian cabaret star Monika Gruber has reacted sharply to his proposals.
Automobile market snapshot
The Statistisches Bundesamt reported a record number of vehicle registrations in 2025. Of the 2.8 million cars sold that year, 490 000 were electric, according to the Kraftfahrt‑Bundesamt.
Özdemir’s vision for the car of tomorrow
In an interview with the Augsburger Allgemeine, Özdemir argued that “the car of the future drives electric, thinks digitally, communicates networked and operates autonomously.” He warned that ignoring this shift would “damage our auto industry and endanger jobs.”
Monika Gruber’s counter‑argument
Gruber, a native of the Erding district, posted on X that she will continue to “drive a combustion engine until it falls apart.” She described recurrent failures in her current SUV – heating, navigation and seat‑heating systems – and expressed doubt that a fully electric car would be any more reliable.
Why the debate matters
Cars remain deeply tied to German identity and daily life. The “Aus‑vom‑Verbrenner‑Aus” policy and the federal electric‑car subsidy aim to revitalize a struggling auto sector, but public sentiment, as voiced by figures like Gruber, highlights lingering skepticism.
Possible next steps
Analysts suggest that if Özdemir’s message resonates, the Greens could attract voters concerned about climate policy and job security. Conversely, continued criticism from high‑profile opponents may reinforce resistance to rapid electrification, prompting policymakers to consider more gradual transition measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cem Özdemir’s stance on the future of automobiles?
He asserts that the future car will be electric, digitally connected, and autonomous, warning that neglecting this shift would harm the auto industry and jobs.
How did Monika Gruber respond to the proposed shift toward electric vehicles?
Gruber announced she will keep driving a combustion‑engine vehicle until it fails, citing reliability problems with her current SUV and expressing doubt about electric cars.
How many new cars were sold in Germany in 2025, and how many were electric?
In 2025, 2.8 million cars were sold, of which 490 000 were electric.
What are your thoughts on the push for electric vehicles ahead of the upcoming election?
