Schellhorn plans a company car reform: Less selection for ministers!

Schellhorn plans a company car reform: Less selection for ministers!

State Secretary Josef Schellhorn (NEOS) plans a reform of the company car regime in the Austrian government in order to reduce the selection of company vehicles and thus avoid debates about the choice of vehicle. This reports vienna.at . The proposal stipulates that minister and state secretaries can only choose from two defined car models with predetermined equipment. The procurement should be made by the Federal Creation Agency, which would make it possible to implement the changes faster if the other ministries agree.

Schellhorn, which show that leasing costs for electric cars are often higher than for combustion engines. In the past discussions, he came under criticism because he chose a more luxurious Audi A8 instead of a cheaper model. The leasing rates for the Audi A8 amount to around 870 euros per month, while the Audi A6 with 1,013 euros and the fully electric Audi e-tron with 1,070 euros per month, such as the Kurier reported.

sustainability in focus

The discussion about the company car reform falls into a broader context of sustainable mobility. The action plan for sustainable procurement (hub), which has been in force since 2022, demands that from 2027 all new company cars must be emission -free. Exceptions only apply to vehicles that are required for over 160 kilometers due to daily tracks or difficulties charging electric cars.

look into the future

The controversial leasing contracts and the associated costs also raise questions about the effectiveness of the mobility transition. Minister of Climate State Leonore Gewessler, for example, deliberately does not use his own service and instead uses bike, train and BIM. Your approach illustrates the trend towards more sustainable mobility, but also requires a rethink in the political elite.

Schellhorn itself emphasizes that a lower selection of company cars could not only make discussions easier, but also would be benefited in economic efficiency. Despite the challenges, he sees it as crucial that the NEOS positions themselves as a party for climate protection. The upcoming reforms and the continuous focus on sustainable procurement could be viewed as favorable developments.