German env min Schulze says diesel cars need mechanical retrofit to avoid EU fines

Manipulated diesel cars in Germany will need a mechanical engine retrofitting to ensure the European Union does not sue the country over exceeding emissions levels in transport for several years, environment minister Svenja Schulze says in an interview with the influential German Automobile Club’s (ADAC) magazine motorwelt. The EU’s lawsuit shows that measures taken so far to improve air quality in German cities are insufficient. “That’s why we need quicker progress. Only mechanical retrofits can do this. Those who oppose this risk provoking driving bans,” Schulze said, adding that her fellow government member, transport minister Andreas Scheuer, was wrong to believe that a mere software update for manipulated diesel cars will bring down emissions sufficiently. Schulze said the coalition treaty “clearly” states that retrofits need to be done if they are technically feasible and economically viable. “Both conditions are met,” she said, adding that carmakers themselves have to pay for all measures needed to solve the problem “they themselves have caused”.

Read the interview in German here.

For background, read the factsheet Diesel driving bans in Germany – The Q&A.