The CEO of Volkswagen, Matthias Müller, doubts existing tax advantages for diesel fuel. “I am now convinced that we should question purpose of diesel subsidies,” said manager to Handelsblatt. “If switch to environmentally friendly e-cars is to succeed, combustion engine diesel cannot be subsidized at all times as before.” Experts and environmental experts had also turned against this diesel privilege.
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In concrete terms, Müller proposed a gradual redeployment of tax relief. “The money could be invested more sensibly in promotion of environmentally friendly drive technologies. It would be right signal to pay off diesel subsidies, which would provide incentives for electric cars. We would stand up to it without having to be afraid of existence. “
At same time, VW chief pointed out that tax subsidies have so far made it much easier to sell diesel vehicles in Germany. Both private and commercial customers would have become accustomed to tax rebates, manager said. Neverless, ” car industry should proactively lead this discussion with politics”, so that system change to e-mobility succeeds.
“This is really impressive”
Müller furr promoted introduction of blue environmental plaques in cities. The award should be tied to a certain nitric oxide value, Müller said: “Only those who are under it will be able to drive in cities in future.” According to VW boss, politicians and car manufacturers would have to “do everything to prevent large-scale driving bans.”
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Car expert Ferdinand Dudenhöffer praised Müller for his statements. “Hats off,” said head of car center of University of Duisburg-Essen. He would not have expected a German car manufacturer to raise such a courageous demand. The proposals could effectively help in this form of weakening e-mobility. He did not expect this from industry, said Dudenhöffer.
Green Group Vice-president Oliver Krischer said: “If autobosses already demand this, dismantling diesel subsidy and blue plaque must become program of next federal government.” It cannot be policy of subsidies that does not even want industry.
Diesel vehicles threaten driving bans
The diesel is extremely important for German manufacturers. 2016, more than half of newly registered VW vehicles had a diesel engine. In upper-class subsidiary Audi, re were two thirds, BMW and Daimler-brand Mercedes-Benz came up with similar values. One reason for high proportion is significantly lower taxation of diesel fuel compared to gasoline. The purchase of diesel cars is refore especially attractive for a lot of drivers.
However, with comparable power, diesel engines often emit more nitrogen oxides than gasoline. In some German cities, refore, driving bans on diesel cars are being considered. Experts such as President of environmental agency, Maria Krautzberger, are also calling for an end to tax privilege for diesel fuel.
In summer, Krautzberger said: “Diesel drivers pay 18.4 cents per liter of fuel less than gasoline – state now costs 7.8 billion euros per year, a good three and a half billion for car use.” Even if higher car taxes for diesel cars were deducted, this would be about one and a half billion euros per year from state for self-igniters.
