The transport president of the German automobile club is resigning from his position after a wave of layoffs.Image: Shutterstock
In an interview, the transport president of the German automobile club ADAC spoke out in favor of higher CO₂ taxes. Outrage and a wave of resignations followed – Hillebrand has now resigned.
Feb 4, 2026, 10:47Feb 4, 2026, 10:47
Markus Abrahamczyk / t-online
The German ADAC is losing its most important face for transport issues. Gerhard Hillebrand is resigning from his position as transport president. It is a retreat after massive pressure: Hillebrand stumbles over his own words.
Former ADAC transport president Gerhard Hillebrand: Interview statement sparks shitstorm.Image: DPA
Plea for climate protection triggers revolt
The trigger was on Interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”. Shortly before Christmas, Hillebrand explained that CO₂ pricing was the right instrument for achieving climate goals: “The ADAC considers CO₂ pricing to be the right instrument for achieving climate protection goals,” replies the transport expert. Drivers need this financial “incentive” to switch to climate-friendly alternatives. He also warned against relaxing the ban on internal combustion engines. The newspaper used the first sentence in an abbreviated form in the headline, which read: “ADAC thinks more expensive fuel makes sense.”
The reaction of some members was devastating. For many, the demand for more expensive petrol and diesel from their own stakeholders was a breach of trust. This was followed by massive complaints and after the “Bild” newspaper The interview had taken up a wave of layoffs with supposedly 60,000 people leaving. Hillebrand now admitted that he had unsettled and angered the members. His resignation is in the interests of the club.
Shitstorm, even though Hillebrand said nothing new
Image: Shutterstock
Head of technology takes over on an interim basis
ADAC President Christian Reinicke thanked Hillebrand for his work, but accepted his resignation immediately. He now has to position the club again as an advocate for drivers.
Karsten Schulze takes over the office on an acting basis. The ADAC technology president now leads the department in addition to his other tasks. But for the car club it’s about more than just personality: it has to prove that it still understands the interests of its members.