Blog & News

Category: Germany

Emissions Scandal: Devastating Ruling by the ECJ

The ECJ ruling on the diesel emissions scandal has caused a sensation: the use of the so-called "thermal window" in diesel cars was declared illegal. Up to 10 million owners of diesel cars are affected by the ruling. What impact will it have on other manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz?


Germany: Low emission zone rules in March 2023

While countries like France and the Netherlands are increasingly introducing measures to limit emissions and the resulting pollution in the transport sector, some German cities now want to abolish the long-standing environmental zones. As of March, Karlsruhe, Pfinztal, Schramberg and Heidelberg will no longer have low emission zones. Will other German cities follow suit?


Low emission zones: Combustion engine phase-out for trucks already before 2040

From 2035, no new diesel and petrol cars will be allowed in the European Union. But what will become of numerous other vehicles, such as trucks and buses, which will find it more difficult to make a green transition? What will the planned EU ban on the use of internal combustion engines in new registrations mean for such large vehicles? Which cities are already banning internal combustion vehicles from low emission zones?


Emissions scandal: Hard blow for Volkswagen and KBA

In the course of the diesel scandal, both Volkswagen and the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) had been involved in the legal dispute of the German Environmental Aid (DUH) against the defeat devices active in many combustion engines. The Administrative Court in Schleswig has now ruled on the involvement of the Federal Office and the inadmissibility of the retrofits planned by the carmakers. It could be expensive for both sides.


Air pollution in Germany: Time for new limit values?

Often, the currently valid pollution limits are complied with in many German cities, but the health hazard is far from being under control. Is it time to introduce new emission-reducing measures, including stricter limits and environmental zones? This is what the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and Deutsche Umwelthilfe are calling for.