SPD voices concern over calls to reconsider EU combustion engine ban.
Discussions surrounding the proposed 2035 phase-out of combustion engine vehicles within the European Union have sparked internal disagreement. Dirk Wiese, the first parliamentary managing director of the SPD parliamentary group, cautioned against wavering on the deadline, emphasizing the need for planning certainty within the automotive sector.
Wiese, speaking to RTL and ntv broadcasters, stated that ongoing debates over dates and figures create uncertainty, ultimately impacting the industry. He highlighted that existing EU regulations already allow for the continued approval of combustion engine vehicles beyond 2035, provided they operate on synthetic or e-fuels. Regarding a recent call by CSU leader Markus Söder to reconsider the ban, Wiese urged a more measured approach.
The recent International Motor Show (IAA) showcased a growing number of affordable electric vehicle models from German manufacturers, suggesting a positive shift toward electrification. Wiese warned that introducing further uncertainty at this stage could impede the progress and successful market adoption of electric vehicles.