New testing makes vehicles perform worse than they really do

We have read about how many car manufacturers have found ways to cheat fuel economy and emissions tests. Ben Webster writes in The Times that, now that these manufacturers have had to change their ways, they have instead changed the tests to show the opposite. And he explains why. Cars ‘rigged to perform badly’ … Continue reading New testing makes vehicles perform worse than they really do →

German automakers accused of collusion over emissions testing

For months we have been reading about the scandal that has hit the auto industry over faulty emissions tests. Deutsche Welle writes about a new report that has accused German car manufacturers of collusion in affecting the quality of testing standards. New report: Massive collusion amongst German automakers Three bosses of five German car … Continue reading German automakers accused of collusion over emissions testing →

Diesel cars: cheating on environmental regulation is not a victimless crime

It started with Volkswagen and its dodgy emissions test results. It turns out there all diesel brands in Europe have a lot of explaining why the pollution is much worse than allowed under current regulations. An article on the Transport & Environment website reveals quite a shocking story. So, who is to blame? Dieselgate 1st … Continue reading Diesel cars: cheating on environmental regulation is not a victimless crime →

The Financial Times’ view on diesel emissions

This week the Financial Times published an editorial on the shortcomings of Europe’s regulations and, equally important, its enforcement. Europe’s failure to act on diesel emissions is indefensible Europe’s collective failure to enforce its own rules on diesel emissions would look like a conspiracy — if it had not been such an open secret … Continue reading The Financial Times’ view on diesel emissions →

Following the Volkswagen fiasco, Brussels sets out plan to improve compliance

The European Union has many excellent policies relating to energy or climate change. But ensuring good implementation is not simple because in most cases compliance is the responsibility of individual member states. The EU can set out a policy framework but compliance is always a delicate area. Following the controversy that has arisen by Volkswagen … Continue reading Following the Volkswagen fiasco, Brussels sets out plan to improve compliance →

Emissions standards in Europe

It was interesting that the current controversy over Volkswagen cheating on diesel emissions tests was identified in the United States and not Europe. Europe is very proud of its standards for vehicles, appliances and buildings, but there has often been a concern that enforcement is either poor or unevenly done throughout the European Union. Member … Continue reading Emissions standards in Europe →