The European Union (EU) needs to develop an industrial strategy to enhance European competitiveness, and politicians are urging for more assistance for Volkswagen (VW) due to the detrimental EU policies hindering the automaker. VW CEO, Blume, cites the challenging situation and declining competitiveness as reasons for the planned cost-cutting program.
Critics blame VW's delayed and inadequate investment in electric mobility for the company's lag in China. To fight against the proposed cutbacks, VW works council chairwoman, Cavallo, will participate in the SPD presidency meeting.
The FDP is advocating for technology neutrality to support companies like VW. EU regulations result in excessive bureaucracy but do not contribute to CO2 reduction.
The crisis in the automotive industry has raised concerns in the EU, with the outgoing Commissioner for Industry, Breton, highlighting the closure of VW factories and the need for improved charging infrastructure as the main issues.
Political figures such as SPD leader Klingbeil and FDP parliamentary group leader Dürr are calling for an ambitious industrial strategy from EU Commission President von der Leyen to strengthen European competitiveness. Dürr also criticizes the 'absurd' European fleet regulation as the cause of the crisis.
The EU Commission is alarmed by the automotive industry's crisis, with concerns over VW's cost-cutting measures and factory closures. The transition to electric mobility presents challenges due to inadequate charging infrastructure in Europe.
High-ranking politicians from the Ampel coalition are demanding more help from Brussels. Gabor Steingart's guest contribution raises concerns about state subsidies for companies like VW, calling them 'citizen money for the upper class'.
He also highlights the need for government support for electric vehicles and heat pumps due to the immaturity of the market. Expert Dudenhöffer criticizes the discontinuation of the electric vehicle subsidy and the persistence of combustion engine vehicles, blaming Berlin and Brussels for harmful policies.
Dudenhöffer warns that China leads in electric vehicle adoption and Europe cannot offer the auto industry of the future. The potential closure of VW factories in Germany due to competition from China, energy costs in Russia, and global trade shifts raises concerns about the exposure of German carmakers to China and the changing geopolitical landscape.
