Environmental protests draw attention at start of Munich motor show

Greenpeace activists pushing for an end to the sale of petrol and diesel cars demonstrated in a pond outside the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich on Tuesday, the opening day of the exhibition, reported dpa.

Billed as the "world's largest mobility event," the exhibition is a showcase for major car producers to present their latest models, as well as a venue for dozens of discussions on the future of the industry.

More than a dozen young demonstrators holding up placards entered the chest-high water in a large pond outside the conference venue, and stayed there for about 30 minutes.

"The German car industry is fuelling the climate crisis," said Greenpeace transport expert Benjamin Stephan.

VW, Mercedes-Benz and BMW were "restricting the freedoms of young people" and should end their production of combustion engines more quickly, he said.

Greenpeace is not the only group intending to protest at the venue. A blockade is planned for Friday, and a large demonstration for Saturday.

Chancellor Angela Merkel was due to open the event later on Tuesday.

Before the official opening, she is due to conduct talks with several German industry leaders on carbon dioxide-free transportation.

IAA Mobility is a much broader event this year, with the main conference hall and smaller venues in the city of Munich itself taking in not just cars, but pedal bikes, autonomous shuttle buses and e-scooters.