BMW, Audi, & MAN Pledge To German State Of Bavaria To Slash Diesel Vehicle Pollution

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The German auto manufacturers BMW and Audi and the truck manufacturer MAN have agreed with the German state of Bavaria to work to reduce diesel vehicle pollution — both with regard to reducing emissions from older vehicles, and also with regard to incentivizing the sale of newer cars that emits less pollution.

As we noted in our earlier coverage relating to new efforts in Germany to reduce diesel vehicle emissions pollution, national elections in Germany are rapidly approaching — something that no doubt has an impact on the timing of this announcement as well as the earlier ones.

Reuters provides more: “The steps agreed on Wednesday include a pledge from luxury rivals BMW and Audi to ensure that at least half of their Euro-5 standard diesel car fleets will reach a level of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions that will cut pollution in cities, the Munich-based state government said. … The manufacturers have agreed to shoulder the costs for certification and development of the necessary engine management software, the Bavarian government said. … Bavaria wants to table proposals in July for limited purchasing incentives, especially through amended car tax, to get drivers to switch from older Euro-3 and Euro-4 models to more fuel-efficient Euro-6 technology, it said.

“Wednesday’s moves coincided with a warning by Germany’s ADAC car club, Europe’s largest and most influential, to push back planned purchases of diesel cars until Euro-6D technology becomes available in new models this autumn.”

In an emailed statement to Reuters, BMW CEO Harald Krueger stated: “We believe there are more intelligent options than driving bans. That’s why we support the initiative of the Bavarian government for a comprehensive and lasting improvement of air quality in our cities.”

That comment is with reference to the diesel vehicle bans being discussed by some German cities, such as Munich and Stuttgart. Unsurprisingly, BMW doesn’t seem to be onboard with idea of an outright ban — after all, that would mean a loss of sales.

Regardless of auto manufacturer preferences, though, diesel cars seem to be on their way out judging by sales figures in recent years — and that seems in large part a result of city-level efforts.


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James Ayre

James Ayre's background is predominantly in geopolitics and history, but he has an obsessive interest in pretty much everything. After an early life spent in the Imperial Free City of Dortmund, James followed the river Ruhr to Cofbuokheim, where he attended the University of Astnide. And where he also briefly considered entering the coal mining business. He currently writes for a living, on a broad variety of subjects, ranging from science, to politics, to military history, to renewable energy.

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