Tag: Combustion engines
Diesel scandal: Emissions fraud was no secret
Years after the emissions scandal erupted, the criminal proceedings against then-Audi group boss Stadler and two other defendants could come to an end. Those responsible would have known long ago that the after-treatment of exhaust gases could be illegal. Now they will face prison sentences and fines.
Catalytic converter theft: How car thieves contribute to air pollution
All too often, according to police reports, catalytic converters are stolen from petrol and diesel cars because of the rising price of the metals they contain. A problem for the unfortunate car owner, but also for the environment. For the pollution potential of cars without catalytic converters can be extreme.
Low emission zones: Driving ban for all Euro 6 diesels?
Not an isolated phenomenon - More than 8 million cars are at least indirectly involved in the use of illegal defeat devices to manipulate exhaust emissions. This is the result of a recent ICCT study that was able to analyse the actual emissions of numerous vehicles on the road. So what does this development in the diesel scandal mean for the car market and for national and international environmental and transport policy? Will we soon see - in Germany and the rest of Europe - extended environmental zones and stricter driving bans for all affected diesel classes?
Germany: Higher truck tolls from 2024
On 1 January 2024, the truck toll for commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes is to increase. In this way, the traffic light coalition wants to accelerate work on the motorway network and at the same time financially support the expansion of the railway infrastructure.
Transportation turnaround: EU prevents intermodal freight transport?!
The development of intermodal freight transport, key to the transport turnaround in the logistics sector, is being held back by regulatory and technical hurdles. EU Court of Auditors criticises the lack of a centralised plan for expansion and promotion. What does the EU want to do now to make freight transport more sustainable?
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?
Marseille: Maritime environmental zone
Once again, the city, in cooperation with environmental associations, is calling for the creation of a maritime environmental zone off the coast of Marseille. Above all, ships with the environmentally harmful "scrubber filter" should be banned. This is because they do not prevent water pollution, but contribute to it.
Germany: Transport misses climate targets
In 2022, Germany met its climate targets in terms of total greenhouse gases released. However, not all sectors are on the right track. The transport sector in particular, with its annually rising emissions, is causing concern among experts.
Germany: Green reform of the commuter subsidy?
The Green parliamentary group proposes an eco-social reform of the commuter allowance - with the aim of having transport emissions and government spending reduced at the same time. In future, commuters who use environmentally harmful vehicles such as internal combustion engines will only be entitled to a reduced commuter allowance.
Switzerland: Too many defective diesels on the road
Numerous emissions tests have found defects in the diesel particulate filters of many internal combustion vehicles. The Swiss Automobile Association (AGVS) is sounding the alarm: one in five diesel cars could pollute the air more than is permitted under the emission limits.