Markus Marterbauer: With Skoda for modesty in the government business!

Markus Marterbauer: With Skoda for modesty in the government business!

Österreich - The SPÖ politician Markus Marterbauer causes a stir with his decision for a Skoda as a company car. According to Exxpress.at , Marterbauer would like to set a sign of down-to-earthness and modesty with this step. However, his monthly leasing price of 900 euros makes the Skoda more expensive than the company cars of many other government members who have chosen more luxurious models.

Compared to other government agencies, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) drives an Audi A8 for around 600 euros a month, while his party colleague, State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner, uses an Audi A6 for 570 euros. Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) also has an Audi A8, which costs 700 euros per month. The difference in leasing costs represents a considerable discrepancy.

budget limits for company cars

The financial framework for company cars have been adapted again and again in recent years. From 2024, Federal Minister of company cars may order up to a value of 105,000 euros, which represents an increase compared to 83,000 euros in 2023, such as auto-motor-und-sport.de reported. These price increases should not only take into account the market offer, but also promote the switch to electromobility.

For Minister of State and Signs Officials 11, the budget limit was also increased by 21,000 euros, which offers more scope for the selection of company cars. The limit is now 72,000 euros for senior civil servants of grade B10 and B9, which represents a significant increase compared to previous years. The price tops are planning sizes that do not allow any conclusions to be drawn about actual expenses.

Criticism of company car privilege

The company car privilege is increasingly criticized. The planned changes that are supposed to come into force in 2025 affect many users of combustion engines and plug-in hybrids. By 2024, the 0.25 percent control for electric service cars up to a list price of 70,000 euros will still be raised, which will be raised to 95,000 euros next year. Plug-in-hybrids are currently benefiting from a 0.5 percent regulation, provided certain criteria are met, reports fleetpark.de .

The new regulation stipulates that the minimum electrical range for plug-in hybrids increases to 80 kilometers from 2025. Vehicles that do not meet these new criteria are then taxed according to the regular 1 percent regulation. In addition, the entry into force of the building electromobility infrastructure law in January 2025 will significantly change the standards for charging infrastructure.

The current regulation, which is particularly beneficial for the upper income layers, is controversial. Over 60 percent of company car users have a gross income of more than 80,000 euros, which raises questions about social justice. Critics of the regulation argue that it creates incentives for the purchase of heavy vehicles, which increases CO₂ emissions and counteracts climate protection.