Germany plans to ban diesel cars

    Chancellor Angela Merkel says country 'must' follow other countries in banning diesels; doesn't set a target date.

    Published On Aug 16, 2017 04:53:00 PM

    12,728 Views

    Germany will introduce a ban on the sale of new diesel-engined cars in the future, according to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, but no timeline has been set for the move.

    In an interview with German magazine Superille, Merkel said that the UK’s move to prevent new pure diesel and petrol cars from being sold from 2040 was “the right approach”. The French government has also announced plans to ban new diesel cars by 2040.

    However, Merkel added that diesel engines were currently necessary to keep pollution levels under control. As such, tax breaks favouring diesel cars would continue to be offered, due to their lower output of carbon dioxide compared to petrol engines.

    Merkel added that it was also important to protect the jobs of Germany’s automotive sector, which has come under fire following the 2015 Volkswagen emission scandal and ongoing legal case. The sector is Germany’s biggest exporter and employs more than 8,00,000 people. Merkel added that it was vital for the German government to help promote new technology and develop infrastructure to aid the industry in the shift towards electric and alternative powertrains.

    German carmakers agreed to update the software of 5.3 million cars during a summit of politicians earlier this month. Plans for a customer trade-in programme were also agreed to, where diesel cars older than 10 years could be traded in for newer models with lower emissions.

    BMW was the first to announce its scheme, which is now offered in Britain and will allow drivers of Euro-IV and older diesels from any manufacturer a grant of up to £2,000 for the purchase of a low-emitting BMW or Mini vehicle.

    Both, Volkswagen and Audi, have followed with similar programmes in Germany, with similar schemes set to come to the UK.

    Sam Sheehan

    Copyright (c) Autocar UK. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    17.69%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    43.97%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    30.27%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    8.08%

    Total Votes : 978
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe