"There is no question that e-mobility is the future. Right now, the transition to emission-free drives needs clear political framework conditions and not a zigzag course," Hanke feared on Wednesday a competitive disadvantage for the important European automotive industry compared to Chinese car manufacturers.
The ÖVP had welcomed the combustion engine phase-out from 2035, but for Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) it does not go far enough. Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP) stated on Wednesday that this is how the industry should be protected. "If we want to keep the thousands of jobs in the automotive industry and the many companies that secure them in Europe, we must not drive them away with self-imposed regulations," explained Hattmannsdorfer.
"Short-term profit interests and ideological stubbornness are ruining the prospects of an entire industry," fears the spokesperson for economy and mobility of the Greens, Elisabeth Götze, the endangerment of hundreds of thousands of jobs in Europe's automotive industry as a result of the departure from the combustion engine phase-out. The discussion about the combustion engine phase-out is often conducted as a pure climate protection debate - but it has long been about much more: "It's about the people and whether there will still be secure and well-paid jobs in the European automotive industry in 20 years."
Minus 90 instead of minus 100 percent
The EU Commission gave the green light on Tuesday for the complete end of new cars with combustion engines from 2035. According to the new regulations, CO2 fleet emissions must only decrease by 90 percent from 2035, instead of 100 percent. This means that new cars that run on petrol or diesel can still be registered afterwards. In return, car manufacturers must offset these emissions by using green steel from the EU or by using CO2-neutral fuels.
(APA/Red)
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