TMV - German Taxi and Rental Car Association

In a letter to Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, the association is pressing for a reversal of the strict ban on internal combustion engines. Instead, it calls for planning certainty and support for various propulsion systems.

To mark the industry's 125th anniversary, the association made a joint appearance with the Berlin Taxi Guild. The focus was on the challenges posed by illegal private hire vehicles, as well as the importance of solidarity within the SME sector.

"Death of the taxi industry because of Uber? Hardly!" — that's how it was titled in the ImPuls column series by journalist Minh Thu Tran. The managing director of the Association of Private Commercial Road Passenger Transport in North Rhine-Westphalia e.V. (VSPV), Sascha Waltemate, could not let that stand and "took to the keyboard." Here is his polished and detailed rebuttal.

It was a sunny Saturday in Holzwickede, but at the Kinderglückhalle everything revolved around issues that tend to cause furrowed brows for many taxi and private hire operators in their day-to-day business: digitalization, new statutory requirements, competition from international platform providers – and, not least, the question of how the classic taxi can hold its own in the future mobility mix.

At the Think Tank, controversial issues take center stage — from illegal hire vehicles, through the handling of platform providers, to new efficiency requirements. SPD politician Tino Schopf also provides insights during a “Current Affairs Hour”.

In talks with Bavaria’s Minister-President, the association highlights the importance of accessible taxis and taxis that complement local public transport. It is calling for binding fares as well as stronger action against social-security fraud in the passenger transport market.

A special anniversary was celebrated in Bispingen last week: Taxi Rathje has been serving the region for 35 years. Owner Gundula Hauenstein invited customers, association colleagues, and friends to celebrate her company's anniversary together—on the company's own premises, in a familial and approachable setting.

At the meeting in the Federal Ministry of Transport, central topics of the taxi and rental car industry were discussed. In addition to combating illegal rental cars, the introduction of minimum tariffs and the promotion of alternative vehicle drives were especially on the agenda.

A parking lot with festively decorated vehicles, a company hall with long tables, music playing subtly in the background – and in the middle, a family celebrating two companies. But in Straubing, it was not only a celebration, but also a look forward – with respect for the past and a clear stance for the future of the industry.

The annual think tank of the Taxi and Rental Car Association develops strategies, studies, and pilot projects on current industry topics. The format is intended to serve as an early warning system for market changes in passenger transport.

Leipzig forgoes minimum prices for rental cars – sending a disastrous signal. The decision by the major Saxon city not to set minimum fees for the rental car industry is causing discontent within the sector.

Once upon a time, there was a reform announced. Four years ago, the amendment of the Passenger Transport Act came into effect – and with it, the traditional local knowledge test for rental car drivers disappeared. Instead, a new hurdle was to be introduced: the so-called "Small Professional Knowledge" test.

The taxi industry in Munich is sounding the alarm: The city is suspending promised protective measures against price dumping. Instead of clear rules, a new review order follows, leading to protests at Marienplatz.

How can mobility be designed to be social, fair, and sustainable? TMV and Armand Zorn sought answers to this with surprisingly high agreement on key issues such as public transport and market fairness.

Anyone who wants to make a difference in Berlin's transportation policy needs more than arguments. They need contacts. At least, that's how Patrick Meinhardt, CEO of the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV), sees it. From the inclusion taxi to the platform operators and the small specialist knowledge – the topics were diverse.

Anyone who wants to work as a taxi driver will in the future have to demonstrate the "Basic Expertise." What in theory sounds like a reasonable approach has been causing head-shaking in practice for years. This is currently being heard particularly loudly from the Taxi and Rental Car Association TMV – and it reaches right into the ministerial offices.

A meeting in the Bundestag shows: The Taxi and Rental Car Association Germany (TMV) wants to contribute – and finds a receptive audience with an old acquaintance: Carsten Müller.

Actually, this evening was about networking, association work, and future projects of the economic summer. But amidst the planned conversations, drinks, and flashes of inspiration, a moment snuck in that the honoree did not expect: Allianz CEO Tino Barth was honored as a "Taxi Ambassador" by the TMV.

It is hot at the Place of Human Rights as Patrick Meinhardt steps in front of the crowd. His clear message: The taxi industry sees itself in a struggle for survival – and demands political support.

In 13 German cities, the taxi industry is demonstrating almost simultaneously today, on July 2, 2025, and is demanding minimum fares for rental cars. No matter how hot it gets, it has to happen. In Hanover, the protest is also being organized by Hallo Taxi 3911 GmbH. The demand is clear: minimum fares for everyone – now.

The taxi and rental car industry is demanding protection against unfair competition – the federal government refers to ongoing measures. There seems to be consensus on the issue, but there is still significant need for discussion regarding the approach and pace.

Patrick Meinhardt, Chief Executive Officer of the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV), met with the new Federal Minister of Finance and SPD Chairman Lars Klingbeil for a personal exchange. A conversation that the association considers an important step towards better cooperation between the industry and politics – and that shows how much the trade wants to make itself heard in times of digital platform economy and growing regulation.

On November 15, the Red Town Hall in Berlin is inviting people to the first Hip-Hop Ball – a premiere that aims to promise cultural scene and urban aesthetics. However, the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) is stirring up strong reactions: The association sharply criticizes the current sponsorship of the Governing Mayor and opposes the main sponsor Uber.

It was a ceremony that recalled the eventful history of the taxi guild, without ignoring the current challenges. On the occasion of the anniversary celebration, numerous taxi entrepreneurs and politicians gathered in Spandau to honor the taxi guild and its chairman Leszek Nadolski.

In celebration of the anniversary of the Berlin taxi industry, Patrick Schnieder is showing a sign of recognition. On the afternoon of June 12, Federal Minister of Transport Schnieder received a small delegation from the Berlin Taxi Guild in his ministry.

A CDU politician and two associations want to politically anchor the inclusion taxi. Patrick Meinhardt, chief executive of the TMV, recently spoke with the new labor and social policy spokesperson of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Marc Biadacz. Topic: the so-called inclusion taxi - a service aimed at providing people in wheelchairs with barrier-free mobility. The goal is to anchor the model long-term in the Social Code.

In a letter to four federal ministers, the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) calls for more decisive action against unfair competition and social dumping in the passenger transport industry.

In a surprisingly swift manner, the Federal Ministry of Finance responded to a letter from the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV). Just nine days after the appeal to extend the Cash Security Ordinance (KassenSichV) to so-called distance meters, the response from State Secretary Rolf Bösinger was on the table – a rare occurrence at the association's headquarters in Berlin. "We are still waiting for the responses from previous ministers," comments TMV Chief Executive Patrick Meinhardt dryly.

Patrick Meinhardt, chief executive officer of the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (TMV), met with Steffen Bilger, the First Parliamentary Secretary of the Union faction. A conversation between old colleagues—and experts in transport policy issues.

Michael Donth takes on key roles in three Bundestag committees – making him an even more important figure for the taxi and tourism industry. The TMV congratulates him and wants to further intensify contact.

The intersection between tourism and mobility is significant—and is increasingly coming into the focus of politics. At a meeting in Berlin, Anja Karliczek (CDU), the new chairwoman of the Bundestag's Tourism Committee, and Patrick Meinhardt, chief executive officer of the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV), have agreed on closer cooperation.

Changes are part of parliamentary routine, especially when responsibilities are redistributed within factions. Yet sometimes a departure from a specialist field is more than just a personnel matter. For the taxi and rental car industry, Martin Kröber's (SPD) departure from responsibility for the Passenger Transportation Act (PBefG) in the Bundestag signifies a disruption – albeit not a permanent one.

The digitalization of operational audits is advancing – and with it, the importance of technical security devices (TSE) in the taxi industry is growing. The Cash Security Regulation (KassenSichV), actually an instrument for combating tax evasion, meanwhile threatens to become a new point of contention between financial policy and the taxi trade.

The TMV sees new opportunities for the industry: reducing bureaucracy, more public transport integration, and a "Germany Ticket Plus" are on the agenda. Taxis could also soon play a bigger role in rural areas.

Recently, there was a small but somewhat unusual honor at the federal office of the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV). Reiner Holznagel, President of the Taxpayers' Association, may henceforth call himself a "Taxi Ambassador" – a title the association awards to personalities who are particularly committed to the taxi industry and fair transport policy.

It was not a formal round of negotiations, but an exchange with a handshake quality. When Thomas Kroker, President of the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV), and its Chief Executive Officer Patrick Meinhardt were received at the federal headquarters of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DeHoGa), the entry was immediately personal. "For me, there is only the taxi," explained DeHoGa head Ingrid Hartges, "other offers are not an option for me at all."

After Friedrich Merz was elected Federal Chancellor in the second ballot, the new cabinet took shape. With the swearing-in of the ministers, the positions of state secretaries also came into focus. One of these goes to Christian Hirte - TMV met the CDU politician for a conversation.

A statement that sticks: “We are pleased that the Saul is becoming Paul again.” With this biblical phrase, the Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) welcomes the change of course by Mercedes-Benz – a company that was once considered a reliable partner in the taxi industry and then abruptly distanced itself.

With the honorary position of "Taxi Ambassador," the TMV highlights a trustworthy political collaboration—and sends a signal regarding the importance of the taxi industry in the public transportation system.

When lobby groups come together, it is nothing unusual. However, when representatives of such diverse sectors as taxi drivers, retailers, hairdressers, and farmers appear with almost identical arguments, it is worth taking a closer look.

The tone is friendly, the message clear: With a letter to Gitta Connemann, CDU member of the Bundestag and future Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Economics, the Taxi and Rental Car Association Germany (TMV) speaks up early. The association congratulates on the new role – and combines the congratulations with clear expectations.

A new Minister of Transport takes office – and old topics are back on the table. Patrick Schnieder, CDU politician from Rhineland-Palatinate, will take over the Federal Ministry of Transport. The Taxi and Rental Car Association of Germany (TMV) has taken the opportunity to convey the industry's wishes and expectations to the future minister at an early stage.

In its assessment of the coalition agreement, the TMV warns against a politically motivated minimum wage of 15 euros and criticizes the lack of a concept against unfair competition. The stronger integration of mobility and SME support is viewed positively.

A car that has been idling for a long time doesn't necessarily need a new engine. Sometimes it's enough to change the driver – or get rid of the passenger. In political Berlin, the Ministry for Digital and Transport was such a misappointment for a long time: a technocratic hybrid with too many tasks and too little direction. Now it has been decoupled, and relief is spreading in the passenger transport industry.

From the outside, one might think it is a classic conflict between economics and ethics. But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear: it is about attitude – and about credibility.

The Transport Ministers' Conference (VMK) was held on April 2 and 3, 2025, in Nuremberg. In advance, the German Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) addressed the chairman of the VMK, State Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU), with a letter to address key concerns of the industry.

With the change at the top of the Bundestag, many associations are hoping for better cooperation with the government. The Taxi and Rental Car Association Germany (TMV) is also taking the opportunity to make its voice heard with the new President of the Bundestag, Julia Klöckner (CDU).

In a joint letter from the Action Alliance Economic Warning Day to the leaders of the Union and the SPD, tax relief for German companies is being demanded. According to TMV, it is about protecting competition and strengthening the economy.

The Taxi Auto Zentrale Stuttgart (TAZ) had only decided in January to collaborate with the mobility service provider Freenow. Freenow CEO Alexander Mönch called it a model for other cities in Germany. Now, TAZ Chairman Iordanis Georgiadis has announced the cooperation with the platform operator Uber.

The Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) advocates for the creation of reliable mobility offerings and makes demands to the coalition members of the Union and SPD: For the public transport taxi, more participation, the expansion of local transport, and against Uber & Co.

There is unrest in the Munich taxi cooperative Taxi-München eG. At an emergency meeting of the board and supervisory board on March 20, 2025, serious allegations were made. Several supervisory board members are said to be cooperating with the platforms Uber and Bolt – a process that is causing significant tensions within the cooperative.

The Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) is up in arms against the minimum wage increase to 15 euros proposed by the SPD. According to the TMV, the middle class must absolutely be relieved to avoid the risk of more and more taxi companies having to give up.

Berlin has taken on a nationwide pioneering role in securing the future of the taxi and rental car industry, declared Thomas Kroker, President of the Taxi and Rental Car Association Germany (TMV). They welcome the fact that CDU and SPD in the Berlin House of Representatives have jointly set the course for fair competition on the streets of the capital.

In Bamberg, representatives of smaller cities, taxi centers, and cooperatives met at the end of last week for the Anti-Uber Alliance (AUA). With about 60 participants, the first meeting of the community of suffering and interest initiated by Christian Linz from the LVBTM was well attended.

The Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) is relying on the new government and emphasizes the desire for cooperation. According to TMV, urgent issues in infrastructure, economy, and administration must be addressed in the new legislative period.

The Taxi and Rental Car Association (TMV) makes a clear appeal to the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV). Public mobility with foresight must necessarily include taxis.

In the context of the eighth forum of the Federal Association of Chauffeur and Rental Car Companies in Germany (BCMD), it became apparent that the interests of the members diverge significantly. In order to give more weight to the interests of the association in the future, the BCMD has now also sought an alliance with the TMV, albeit cautiously for the time being.

There is currently much speculation behind the scenes in Berlin about the First Parliamentary Secretary of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Thorsten Frei. The right-hand man of the Union's parliamentary group leader, Friedrich Merz, took time for a meeting with the TMV Chief Executive Patrick Meinhardt in the German Bundestag ahead of the election.

Today at 1:00 PM, the central event of the nationwide Economic Warning Day will take place at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The organizer is the INSM, the Initiative for a New Social Market Economy.