A leading figure within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Baden-Württemberg has voiced significant concerns regarding proposed European Commission regulations concerning company car fleets and rental vehicles. In a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, CDU politician Manuel Hagel has called for a reconsideration of plans that would effectively ban internal combustion engines for these fleets starting in 2030.
Hagel expressed worry that such a measure would represent an unwarranted intervention in business decision-making and a potentially impractical policy with substantial repercussions for the economy, small and medium-sized enterprises and employment. He specifically highlighted the current inadequacy of charging infrastructure across Baden-Württemberg, particularly in rural areas, arguing that the existing network is not capable of supporting such a drastic shift.
The CDU politician urged the European Commission to adopt a more technology-neutral approach, emphasizing the importance of achieving climate-friendly mobility through pragmatic solutions rather than rigid prohibition. He pointed to the potential of synthetic fuels, hydrogen-powered vehicles and continued advancements in internal combustion engine technology as viable contributions to reducing carbon emissions.
Hagel concluded the letter by formally requesting that the Commission halt the current proposal in its existing form.
