I do not want Germany to be one of the countries that supports this incorrect ban, says the Federal Chancellor to the German TV channel Ntv.
The EU member states agreed in 2023 that all new cars sold must be emission-free and not be able to emit carbon dioxide from 2035. In practice, it is a ban on cars with combustion engines.
In September, it was announced from the EU that a review of the 2035 target will be expedited.
Christian Democrat Merz admits to Ntv that the issue is complicated and that it is "still being discussed" with the government partner, the Social Democratic SPD.
Merz hopes that the government will have agreed on the issue before a planned meeting with the German vehicle manufacturers on Thursday.
The German giants Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are being pressured by competition from Chinese electric car manufacturers such as BYD and have expressed opposition to the EU's target.
