MUNICH/FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - In light of the crisis gripping automakers and suppliers, IG Metall chairwoman Christiane Benner is calling for a further relaxation of the combustion engine ban. Her union seeks to secure long-term prospects for employees in the automotive industry, particularly within the supply chain, Benner told "Automobilwoche".
"To achieve this, we need more flexibility than the EU Commission's current draft provides," Benner was quoted as saying. "I would dearly love to pursue a clearer course toward electrification. However, I also see what is happening to jobs in the automotive industry and, above all, in the supply sector."
In December, the EU Commission proposed allowing the registration of new cars with internal combustion engines even after 2035 - a departure from the originally negotiated phase-out. Future exemptions are expected to require only a 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the 2021 baseline.
Benner stated that it is now crucial for plug-in hybrids and range-extended vehicles to maintain a fair chance at market share over the coming years. This, she noted, would be of particular benefit to suppliers./isa/DP/zb
