The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has strongly condemned a recent proposal by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) to reconsider the European Union’s planned ban on internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035.
Sebastian Roloff, the SPD parliamentary group’s spokesperson for economic policy, voiced concerns that questioning the timeline jeopardizes Germany’s long-term competitiveness and creates uncertainty for businesses. He emphasized that the 2035 deadline is integral to both German and European climate goals.
Roloff stressed the need for stability and predictability, arguing that the automotive industry requires consistent support for a climate-neutral future rather than being held back by past technologies. He asserted that the future of the automotive sector is increasingly electric across almost all applications, necessitating a dedicated shift toward this transition.
The SPD is advocating for measures such as targeted purchase incentives, tax advantages and significant investment in charging infrastructure to facilitate this industry transformation.