Switch to new emissions test could cost German automakers dearly

The conversion to a new emissions test called the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) could cost German manufacturers billions of euros, Martin Seiwert writes in the WirtschaftsWoche. The German car industry has invested tens of billions of euros in diesel technology, but if official WLTP tests reveal that diesel-powered vehicles emit more CO₂ than previously thought, automakers could be forced to abandon diesel, according to Seiwert. A study published by British market researcher cap hpi suggests both diesel vehicles and plug-in hybrids are indeed far more emissive than formerly believed, leading to concern in the industry, Seiwert writes.

Read the article in German here.

For background, read the factsheets Diesel driving bans in Germany – The Q&A and “Dieselgate” – a timeline of Germany’s car emissions fraud scandal.