Habeck suggests that Volkswagen must primarily tackle most of its challenges independently.
"Electric vehicles are the way forward," asserted Economics Minister Habeck. However, it appears unlikely that troubled automaker VW will receive exclusive political assistance. According to Habeck's perspective, German heavyweight VW should preserve its facilities.
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck has pledged political backing to the ailing VW group, but no concrete government aid. "The bulk of the issues will have to be addressed by Volkswagen itself," said the Green politician during a visit to VW's Emden plant. Politics, however, needs to assess "whether we are sending the correct market signals or if we can even strengthen them."
Habeck referred to previously agreed measures to boost the flagging sales of electric cars. These include tax incentives for electrically operated company cars and more favorable depreciation terms for commercially used electric vehicles. Implementation is required immediately.
Regarding rumors of potential job losses at VW, Habeck said he couldn't verify such figures. The minister urged Volkswagen to keep its production sites operational. However, he stressed that he couldn't meddle in the specific company policy, including job planning.
Habeck also met with IG Metall union representatives, who were protesting on the premises for job security. "I feel an obligation to act," said the Vice-Chancellor. Several employees expressed fears about job losses and their families' futures. The news from management about the need for a stringent austerity course had come as a "complete shock" to them.
Habeck cautioned against a "roller coaster ride" in electric vehicles. "Electric mobility is the future," he affirmed decisively. Germany and specifically VW are delivering "leading technology" here. "The most crucial thing is for politics to deliver a clear signal for electric mobility," confirmed VW sales director Martin Sander. He confirmed that Volkswagen aims to continue expanding this sector substantially in the coming years. However, he also requested competitive energy prices from Habeck.
"Autosummit" looming
Habeck showed enthusiasm for Emden's production processes and the vehicles of types ID.4 and ID.7 during a plant tour. "I didn't want to get out anymore," he said after a brief test drive. If he were to buy a car privately, it would "definitely be an electric car."
In the future, only electric vehicles will be produced at the Emden site. Not only does climate protection justify the e-vehicle, but "the economy also speaks for it," said Habeck. Regarding the relatively high purchase prices, he said that they had already decreased and that an electric car would already be financially beneficial over its lifespan.
Habeck's Emden visit, part of a tour through northwestern Lower Saxony, had been planned in advance. The plant recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. For this Monday, the minister has invited a "Autosummit" with representatives from various car manufacturers and unions.
Despite Habeck's political backing and encouragement for electric vehicle production, the German economy relies heavily on the success of major automakers like VW. The ministry should ensure policies are in place to promote sustainable and competitive electric vehicle production, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
