Combustion engine ban “not on federal government’s agenda” – spokesperson

The federal German government is currently not planning a combustion engine ban similar to British plans. “A ban of diesel or petrol cars is currently not on the agenda of the federal government. It’s about making possible a low-emission mobility,” a spokesperson told journalists at a press conference. The government supported the development of alternative propulsion systems like e-mobility. Chancellor Angela Merkel had often “warned of demonising the diesel”, as “the diesel engine emits less CO₂ and is thus more climate-friendly”. At next week’s diesel summit, the government expected “actions and movement by the industry. We will see on 2 August what the industry is ready to do”, said the spokesperson.

For background, read the CLEW factsheet The debate over an end to combustion engines in Germany and the CLEW article Reactions to allegations over German carmaker cartel.