Austrian Officials’ Car Choices Under Scrutiny: Luxury, Hybrids, and Leasing Costs

CAPITAL — May 15, 2024 — Austrian officials’ car choices are under scrutiny. The debate surrounds the types of vehicles chosen by government figures, including luxury sedans and hybrids, and the associated costs. The rising number of Audi A8s in use is a trend.The situation demands closer examination.

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Austrian officials’ Car Choices Under Scrutiny: Luxury, Hybrids, and Leasing Costs

A debate has ignited in Austria over the vehicles chosen by goverment officials for their daily duties. From luxury sedans to hybrid models, the selection and associated costs are drawing attention.

The A8 Debate: Legroom or Luxury?

The controversy began with Deregulation State Secretary Sepp Schellhorn (Neos), who justified the need for a long-wheelbase Audi A8 service sedan by citing the need for more legroom for longer overland trips. The leasing rate for this vehicle is approximately 870 euros per month, which includes 60,000 kilometers annually.

Chancellor’s Choice: Following Precedent

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) also opts for an Audi A8 e Quattro in the long version. He inherited this vehicle from his predecessor, Karl Nehammer, continuing a trend of luxury car usage within the chancellery.

People’s Party Preferences: Audi Dominance

Within the People’s Party (ÖVP), several high-ranking officials favor Audi vehicles:

Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner
Interior minister Gerhard Karner
Minister of Integration Claudia Plakolm
State Secretary Alexander Pröll
State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner

Most of these officials drive the A8 luxury model, with only Ms. Zehetner content with the smaller A6 – spurned by Schellhorn.

BMW Brigade: The Turquoise Contingent

On the turquoise side of the political spectrum, several ministers prefer BMW:

Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig
Minister of Economics Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer
State secretary Barbara Eibinger-Miedl

Hybrid and plug-in Hybrid Trend

A notable trend among Austrian officials is the preference for hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. However, State Secretary Zehetner is an exception, still on the road with a burner (internal combustion engine), which she inherited from the existing fleet.

Pro Tip:

Plug-in hybrid vehicles offer a balance between electric and gasoline power, reducing emissions while providing extended range. They are often favored for city driving and longer trips.

Interior Minister Karner is the only official with a newly purchased car, while Minister Plakolm uses a vehicle from her time as state secretary.

Leasing Costs: A Breakdown

The Federal Chancellor’s leasing costs are the highest, amounting to 1,739.99 euros per month. Elisabeth Zehetner’s vehicle is the least expensive for taxpayers, at 572.34 euros per month, excluding sales tax.

SPÖ’s Electric Shift

Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler (SPÖ) drives a fully electric Audi e-tron 55 Quattro, inherited from his predecessor. His leasing rate is reportedly 280 euros, adjusted for the deductible of around 600 euros. A new, more cost-effective model is expected in June.

State Secretary Michaela Schmidt (SPÖ) currently lacks a company car, as her predecessor’s vehicle was put up.

Justice Minister Anna Sporrer received a new Audi A8 60 Tfsi e Quattro long in April, with a leasing rate of 789.44 euros.

Finance Ministry’s BMW

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer inherited a BMW 745le plug-in hybrid from his predecessor,Magnus Brunner. The ministry currently pays a rate of 1,794.67 euros, with an exchange scheduled for September.

Social Affairs: Two Cars for Different Needs

Minister of Social affairs, The Twist of Schumann, uses two company cars:

An Audi e-tron 55 Quattro for Vienna trips (2,222.61 euros per month, contract expiring in August).
An Audi A8 60 Tfsi e Quattro lang for trips outside Vienna (719.51 euros per month, to be replaced in October).

Rental Realities

State Secretary Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig relies on rental vehicles from Sixt, including BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, or Volvo XC60 models. This arrangement costs 3,620.46 euros per month.A new A8 is expected in June, with a leasing rate of 1,690.48 euros.

Transport and Climate

Minister of Transport Peter Hanke uses an A8 plug-in hybrid, first registered in 2025. No new procurement is planned. His predecessor, Minister of Climate Protection leonore Gewessler, did not have a service vehicle, necessitating the A8 replacement. The leasing rate is 703.60 euros per month.

State Secretary Jörg Leichtfried uses the Audi A8 previously driven by Interior Minister Karner, with monthly leasing costs of 530.85 euros.

Neos’ Choices: Beyond the A8

Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (Neos) drives a BMW XDRIVE LIMOUSINE G70 XB1, with monthly leasing costs of 1,463.78 euros.A new, less expensive procurement is under consideration due to the expiring contract.

Minister of Education Christoph Return is chauffeured in a BMW 750e XDrive, costing approximately 1,400 euros per month.

Reader Question:

Are these vehicle choices environmentally responsible? How do they align with austria’s climate goals?

FAQ: Austrian Officials’ car Choices

Why is there scrutiny over the cars chosen by Austrian officials?

The selection of luxury vehicles and their associated leasing costs are being questioned by the public and media,raising concerns about responsible spending and environmental impact.

What types of cars are most commonly used by Austrian officials?

Audi A8 models are prevalent, along with BMW sedans and SUVs. There’s a growing trend toward hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

How much do these cars cost taxpayers?

Leasing costs vary widely, ranging from approximately 530 euros to over 2,200 euros per month, depending on the model and contract terms.

Are electric vehicles becoming more common among Austrian officials?

Yes, there’s a shift toward electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, although some officials still use customary combustion engine cars.