Dr. Markus Söder und Vorstandsvorsitzende von MAN Truck & Bus SE Alexander Vlaskamp - MÜ 26.04.2023

Dear ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to accept MAN's invitation today. First, Bavaria is an automotive location – not just for passenger cars, but for trucks. And in recent years, especially during Corona, we have seen how important trucks and freight transport are for organizing our normal lives. Without trucks, things just won't work for a very long time. So first, we need trucks and freight transport. Second, MAN is a Bavarian company – Munich, Augsburg, Nuremberg is the name. So for us it was a matter of course to do everything we can to ensure that MAN continues to call Bavaria home. That is why, for example, we helped with the large production facility in Nuremberg, also with substantial financial support, to ensure that technology development happens here. Third, we come to what we are celebrating today: it is truly something special. Ten years ago, people said an e-truck? No way. Five years ago, switching from combustion to hydrogen – maybe. But battery? It's too big, you'd need five trailers. It seemed impossible. What you have achieved is a real quantum leap – I can't put it any other way. The big goal is to advance climate protection and significantly reduce CO2 in transport. The investments in this technology are very sensible, and you have made it happen. I can say it myself, but even the professionals are already totally enthusiastic – not just because it's visually appealing for a truck, but also because it's technologically enormously ambitious. It will fundamentally change freight transport. It is a real step forward. I thank you and congratulate you. We want to continue to support this strongly. However, the framework conditions must ensure that this does not remain a pilot project, but becomes part of everyday traffic. That is why the following is important: First, we urgently need enough charging points. Bavaria has the most in Germany, but still needs to improve a lot. Overall, Germany has invested too little in charging infrastructure. We set extremely high targets, but we realize we must first create the basis. Second, we need to increase the available electricity supply. No one should be deluded: this will be the biggest challenge. If everything is to run on electricity – and we want to move away from other energy carriers – the demand for electricity will rise dramatically. The current energy policy in Germany is not nearly sufficient to cover industrial and everyday electricity demand. That will have significant economic consequences, so it must be fundamentally revised. Third, the timing must be right – timing and tuning. You can't set stricter emission limits every year without creating the infrastructure to meet them. And the same goes for timing: the truck toll that has now been decided – it is very, very important that this toll revenue does not disappear into the budget to plug holes created by others, but is invested in a cycle: in transport infrastructure, not just rail, but also for road transport and for more charging points. And we should not keep tightening new screws in Europe before the old ones have been tightened. Otherwise, the whole thing won't work. Our prosperity depends on this, dear ladies and gentlemen. The world wants prosperity, and we in Europe, especially in Germany, are becoming skeptical about whether prosperity is still good. But you only have to know: loss of prosperity, loss of growth means enormous problems and ultimately social tensions. There is also enormous job potential in this. We want jobs to stay here and not go elsewhere. So it's actually a complete package. I strongly support MAN and the Free State of Bavaria. And MAN has offered me a chance to drive the truck myself. I didn't do it yet because I thought maybe it would be something... I had a truck driver's license – I got it during my time in the Bundeswehr. Since then, I've been connected to trucks. But I haven't driven those newer vehicles. For the older ones among us who might remember: the trucks back then were structured very differently. There is nowhere near the luxury in the cab now – it's like a Robinson Club. There are screens, microwaves, and maybe even a bar for the chairman of the board. But for the others, there's a heater, the power steering is sensational. Back in my day, you really needed big, strong arms. And the clutch... the clutch back then led to serious knee problems if you were on it just two seconds too long. Those who drove 30 years ago can relate. The difference between then and now is like between the Wright brothers' airplane and the Starship Enterprise. It has really changed. I think it's fun, and you see on TV many people who are fascinated by trucks and identify as truckers. So it's a great development – huge respect. And yes, my thanks also to MAN. It always has to be said: MAN decided to continue producing here and to develop new technologies. That can't be emphasized enough. This is a company deeply rooted in Bavaria, also for jobs. So I must say: not only a technology pioneer, but also a employer that understands people. And that's why it's always 'Munich, Augsburg, Nuremberg' – other locations don't fit anymore. They'd have to change the name. So it's either cleverly chosen or it's always been that way. Many thanks. I strongly support this and will accompany the transition politically as best as possible. The trucks cost more than conventional ones, but the timeline is changing. We are all in it together. So congratulations and have fun driving them. And of course, with that in Munich I'll get a better parking spot – you can just park anywhere, no one will get past. In that spirit, much success and congratulations.

Many thanks. Are there any questions from your circle?