Amidst the crisis at Volkswagen, high-ranking politicians from the Ampel coalition are calling for more assistance from Brussels. SPD leader Lars Klingbeil urges EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to quickly present an ambitious industrial strategy that strengthens Europe's competitiveness on the global stage.
FDP faction leader Christian Dürr also sees the EU Commission as responsible, blaming European policies for hindering automakers. Dürr emphasizes the need to abolish fleet regulations, which he believes are burdensome and have no impact on reducing CO2 emissions.
Both Klingbeil and Dürr emphasize the importance of technological openness in supporting companies like VW. The core VW brand recently announced tougher cost-cutting measures, including potential plant closures and layoffs, citing a challenging European auto market and decreased competitiveness of German production sites.
Critics argue that VW's insufficient investment in electric mobility has caused it to fall behind its competitors in key markets like China. VW-Betriebsratschefin Daniela Cavallo will join the SPD executive committee remotely to voice her opposition to VW's downsizing plans.
Both Klingbeil and Dürr are calling for EU assistance, with Klingbeil specifically urging von der Leyen to take the lead in ensuring Europe remains competitive in international developments.
