(de-news.net) – In the ongoing political discourse surrounding the European Union’s proposed phase-out of combustion engine vehicles by the year 2035, SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch has signaled a measured openness to negotiations with the CDU/CSU. This openness, however, is contingent upon the inclusion of provisions that demonstrably contribute to safeguarding employment during the transition to electromobility. According to recent media coverage, Miersch conveyed a readiness to engage in discussions on transitional mechanisms, provided these mechanisms are directly linked to securing jobs and supporting structural change within the automotive sector.
Miersch underscored that companies making firm commitments to continue manufacturing operations within Germany, investing in innovative technologies, and establishing binding employment guarantees in cooperation with works councils should be able to rely on political backing. Such support, he suggested, could take the form of extended transition periods or targeted adjustments to the implementation timeline. Moreover, he indicated that interim technologies—such as plug-in hybrid systems and range extenders—might warrant consideration as part of a pragmatic approach to achieving the long-term goal of full electrification.
This position stands in contrast to that of CSU leader Markus Söder, who, during an automotive policy dialogue held on 9 October, had called for a postponement of the 2035 combustion engine ban. Despite the high-profile nature of the event, the dialogue concluded without any substantive agreement. Miersch reaffirmed his party’s commitment to the original timeline and dismissed the suggestion that delaying the phase-out would automatically result in job preservation. He argued that such claims oversimplified the complex dynamics of the ongoing industrial transformation.
Beyond the combustion engine debate, Miersch also provided further detail on the SPD’s proposed incentive scheme designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles among lower and middle-income households. He outlined a tiered subsidy model intended to exclude high-income individuals—particularly those subject to wealth taxation—from eligibility. The objective of this initiative is to ensure that state support is directed toward those who face financial barriers to transitioning to electric mobility. By prioritizing average wage earners, the SPD aims to promote a socially inclusive and economically balanced shift toward sustainable transport solutions.
