The ADAC (German Automobile Club) has experienced an extraordinary wave of membership cancellations in recent days. Many members are posting their resignations on social media following an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung,” because they no longer feel represented. In the interview, Gerhard Hillebrand, the ADAC’s transport president, spoke about fuel prices and defended the CO₂ price as a regulatory tool. This is precisely what has outraged many. The posts also call for his resignation, because the membership expects consequences and not just the flimsy explanation that it was a misunderstanding.
Members feel betrayed and are publicly resigning
On social media, members are posting photos of their forms and offering brief explanations. The tone is sharp, but it remains specific. Many explain that they trusted the club, but now see a departure from their interests. Thus, resignations become a visible form of protest, and the pressure mounts with each new post.
One member describes the split bluntly: “If an automobile club thinks it’s a good thing that driving is becoming more expensive due to higher CO₂ taxes and thus higher fuel prices, then after so many years of membership, I have no business being in this club anymore.” This statement resonates with many because it reflects everyday life, not theory. Even members who rarely post recognize themselves in it and are openly discussing leaving on social media.
Fuel prices as an “incentive”: The statement that triggered the cancellations
In an interview, Hillebrand clearly explained why he supports the price increase. He said: “The ADAC considers CO₂ pricing to be the right instrument for achieving climate protection goals.” And he added: “People need the incentive to switch to climate-friendly alternatives to diesel and gasoline vehicles.” Many members interpret this as a signal: The club accepts rising fuel prices because it wants to change behavior.
This is precisely where the conflict lies, because the majority still drive combustion engine vehicles and calculate in euros per tankful. Fuel costs don’t rise in the abstract, but rather when you pay. The CO₂ price acts like an emissions tax, making every trip more expensive, and many see it not as an incentive, but as a burden. That’s why cancellations are spreading so rapidly, because the statement is considered unambiguous and not just a poorly worded phrase.
ADAC says “misunderstood,” but members demand consequences.
The ADAC is trying to calm the situation and speaks of misunderstandings. But many members don’t accept this defense because the quotes are clear and the core issue remains. Anyone who calls CO₂ pricing “correct” sends a political signal, and that’s precisely what many don’t expect from an automobile club. Therefore, members are demanding a correction and expect clear representation of their interests against further price increases.
Another post sums up the accusation: “The ADAC no longer represents my interests at all as the driver of a 29-year-old gasoline-powered car!” Statements like these also fuel resignations because they highlight the problem of representation. When contributors get the impression that no one is speaking for them anymore, then every new cancellation becomes an invitation to others.
Resignation or risk: How far is the ADAC willing to push the escalation?
This puts the personnel question front and center, and it cannot be ignored. Shouldn’t the president of an automobile club who openly opposes the interests of the majority of its members resign? Or is the ADAC willing to risk further cancellations and a wave of departures? A resignation would send a strong signal, but a change of course regarding fuel prices and the CO₂ price would be even more crucial for many members.
Hillebrand also placed his position within the EU framework and warned against any weakening of the stance: “I can only warn against that. Europe must adhere to ambitious CO₂ reduction targets because we must limit global warming.” At the same time, he found a postponement of the EU-wide CO₂ price acceptable: “It’s perfectly fine that the EU is taking a little more time and preventing price spikes to avoid excessive burdens.” However, many members remain under the impression that the ADAC fundamentally supports the emissions tax, and therefore they are sticking to their cancellations. (KOB)