Overview
- Gerhard Hillebrand stepped down after endorsing CO₂ pricing in a late-December interview that many members saw as support for higher fuel costs.
- The ADAC confirmed about 60,000 membership cancellations linked to the remarks, while roughly 100,000 people joined in January, leaving totals near last year’s level.
- Hillebrand said he regretted unsettling and angering members and framed his resignation as taking responsibility for the reputational damage.
- ADAC officials distanced the organization from the impression created by the interview, reiterating opposition to additional burdens without social compensation and a mission of affordable mobility for all.
- Technology president Karsten Schulze will oversee the traffic portfolio on an interim basis as the club addresses member concerns highlighted by public complaints and posted cancellation letters.