Germany and Canada intensify cooperation on clean mobility
Clean Energy Wire
Germany and Canada are aiming to cooperate more closely in the automotive industry in a bid to deepen bilateral relations amid the impacts of US tariff policies. Specifically, the two countries' governments intend to strengthen collaboration on electric and hydrogen mobility and advancing battery and critical minerals partnerships.
In a joint declaration signed by German economy minister, Katherina Reiche, and Canada’s minister of industry, Mélanie Joly, the ministers say the agreement underscores "the strategic significance of the automotive and mobility sectors" for economic development and resilience for both countries. The plan aims to strengthen the industrial base, diversify and stabilise supply chains, and further accelerate the introduction of zero- and low-emission vehicles. The German economy ministry added that the country's automotive companies and their subsidiaries already provide about 15,000 "high-grade jobs" in Canada.
Both governments are committed to combining strengths on promoting forward-looking technologies and safeguard related supply chains, Reiche said. “The geopolitical challenges of our time demand a strategic response,” she added. The declaration should therefore serve as "a clear signal" for joint interests in ensuring economic security, technological sovereignty and economic growth "on both sides of the Atlantic."
The governments in Berlin and Ottawa aim to establish an automotive and mobility cooperation group to facilitate dialogue on sectoral development, the expansion of bilateral trade in automobiles, and the continued roll-out of battery-and hydrogen-based mobility.
The move follows recent changes in Canada’s industrial and mobility policy, including the reintroduction of purchase incentives and major investments in industrial infrastructure. This is creating new opportunities for German suppliers in key areas such as components, charging infrastructure and plant engineering, according to Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the country's international economic promotion agency.