ADAC Mobility President Resigns Following 60,000 Membership Cancellations Over CO2 Pricing Remarks
The ADAC, Germany's largest automobile club, has announced the resignation of its Mobility President following a significant wave of member departures. The decision comes after approximately 60,000 members cancelled their memberships in response to public comments supporting the implementation of CO2 pricing as a strategy to meet climate protection targets.
The controversy began after the Mobility President expressed support in a late 2025 interview for the application of CO2 pricing, which increases the cost of traditional fuels such as diesel and petrol. The official stated that such measures are an appropriate tool to encourage the adoption of more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional combustion engines. While advocating for a gradual approach to price increases and the importance of providing viable alternatives for consumers, the remarks led to widespread dissatisfaction among ADAC members, many of whom were concerned about rising fuel costs and the broader economic impact.
According to the ADAC, the fallout from the interview resulted in substantial internal upheaval, with the organization receiving a large volume of complaints and membership cancellations. The outgoing Mobility President acknowledged the negative response from members and accepted responsibility for the reputational impact on the association, prompting the decision to step down. The ADAC's Technology President, Karsten Schulze, has temporarily assumed the responsibilities of the departing Mobility President as the organization works to restore member trust.
In a statement, the ADAC expressed regret over the loss of so many members but affirmed its commitment to re-engaging those who felt alienated by recent events. Despite the membership losses, the association noted that it had also successfully recruited more than 100,000 new members in January alone, aligning with the previous year's figures. However, ADAC representatives clarified that a precise net membership calculation is not immediately feasible, as cancellations may result from various factors and typically take time to process. The organization has consistently reported annual membership growth in recent years.
The broader context of the controversy centers on Germany's ongoing efforts to address climate change through policy measures such as carbon pricing. The introduction of higher CO2 charges, which took effect at the start of the year, has added several cents per liter to the cost of fuel for vehicles with internal combustion engines. This policy is part of a wider European and national strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and incentivize the use of electric vehicles and other low-emission transportation options.
The ADAC's handling of the issue highlights the challenges faced by organizations representing motorists during a period of significant policy changes aimed at environmental protection. Balancing the interests of members with evolving regulatory frameworks and societal expectations requires careful communication and strategic decision-making.
As the ADAC moves forward, the association has stated its intention to intensify outreach to members who may have been dissatisfied or confused by recent developments. The organization remains committed to supporting its members while contributing to national efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable mobility solutions.