The future of the diesel engine and the development of air quality continue to be important issues, not only for the public but also for the VDIK. Avoiding driving bans remains a central challenge. …

The European Commission’s approach is to continuously reduce pollutant emissions from passenger cars and commercial vehicles by means of exhaust gas regulations applicable throughout Europe and to harmonise the limit values for petrol and diesel as far as possible. …

In order to measure how much fuel or electricity a car consumes and whether it complies with the exhaust emission limits, the legislator prescribes standardized test procedures. Since September 1, 2017, the new “Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure” (WLTP) has been in force throughout the EU for the type approval of new passenger cars. …

The so-called CO₂ guideline contains information on the fuel and electricity consumption and CO₂ emission values of all passenger cars offered in Germany. It provides a basis for comparing vehicles. …

The international motor vehicle manufacturers support the Paris climate protection targets. Further global warming would entail considerable risks for people and the environment. These consequences of climate change would also be strongly felt in Germany. …

Before a new vehicle model can come onto the market in Europe, it must undergo the type approval process. It is checked whether all EU regulations for new vehicle models are fulfilled. Test vehicles are not only used to determine emission and consumption values. …

According to the German End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, manufacturers and importers are obliged to take back all end-of-life vehicles of their make(s) from the last owner. These end-of-life vehicles must be taken back free of charge as soon as they are handed over to a recognised collection point or a recognised dismantling company designated for this purpose by a manufacturer. …