Hundreds of environmental activists demonstrated on Saturday, September 11, against the holding of the German Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, in the south of the country, noted an AFP journalist.

They believe that the sector is not doing enough to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

"The climate crisis is already here, no need for IAA", "Let us save the planet": several hundred activists have started, signs in hand, a demonstration from 10 am (GMT) on the Theresienwiese, a huge square west of town, and were later joined by cycling activists from the region.

A mass rally against the IAA Mobility show is being held in Munich.

They are accusing carmakers not doing enough and they advocate for mass transit instead of private cars.

pic.twitter.com/MxHDQDANaT

- Chen Weihua （陈卫华） (@chenweihua) September 11, 2021

The German Motor Show (IAA), a big rally in the sector, takes place from Tuesday and until Sunday in the city's congress hall.

A sector in transition to electricity

This year it presents itself as a showcase for the great challenge of electrification for the sector and wants to give a platform to "mobility" rather than cars, with in particular more than 70 brands of bicycles.

But this new concept has not calmed the claims.

"Despite its sustainable aspect, the IAA remains the show for the automotive industry," said in a press release #Aussteigen, the associative collective behind the demonstrations.

“Instead of developing sustainable business models, BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler and company continue to make money primarily from heat engines,” he added.

>> See also: Electric vehicles: batteries, a strategic issue for manufacturers

"The next federal government must finally tackle climate protection in the field of transport", calls the collective.

Several demonstrations have already taken place since Tuesday, at the initiative of several environmental NGOs, such as Greenpeace, a few weeks before the German legislative elections scheduled for September 26.

Climate protection is a central theme of these elections, which should lead to the appointment of Chancellor Angela Merkel's successor, who is stepping down after 16 years as head of Germany.

With AFP

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