German Environmental Aid on the 2035 phase-out of combustion engines: "Spain and France are setting a precedent for a genuine drive system transition; Germany must not delay the phase-out."

Berlin (ots) - In a letter to the European Commission, France and Spain have reiterated their support for the already agreed phase-out of combustion engines by 2035. The German Environmental Aid (DUH) welcomes the exemplary role played by both countries in promoting a genuine powertrain transition and simultaneously warns against a German federal government attempting to go it alone to further delay the phase-out of combustion engines. Jürgen Resch, Federal Executive Director of the DUH, commented:

"France and Spain demonstrate what responsible and future-oriented transport policy looks like and are thus setting a precedent for a genuine drive system shift. They are united behind the European decision to phase out combustion engines by 2035. Plug-in hybrids have long been exposed as a sham. They slow down climate protection instead of advancing it. So-called alternative fuels are nothing more than illusory solutions. They are neither climate-friendly nor available in relevant quantities. We call on Chancellor Merz not to make Europe an agent of the fossil car industry through a national unilateral effort and to further delay the phase-out of combustion engines. At the same time, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen must demonstrate that she cares about the Green Deal and the phase-out of combustion engines by 2035. She threatens to overturn the phase-out of combustion engines and keep a back door open for climate-damaging drives. European climate policy must not be subordinated to the interests of the German auto industry – otherwise, Europe will lose all credibility in climate protection."

Press contact: Jürgen Resch, Federal Managing Director, 0171 3649170, [email protected] DUH Newsroom: 030 2400867-20, [email protected] www.duh.de Original content from: Deutsche Umwelthilfe eV, transmitted by news aktuell Original report: https://www.presseportal.de/pm/22521/6143245