Germany intends to carry out random vehicle testing for emissions, said a Reuters report on February 14. Quoting transport minister Alexander Dobrindt speaking to German newspaper Bild, the proposed random testing is to re-instill consumer confidence in the motor vehicle industry that was shattered by revelations arising from Dieselgate and Volkswagen’s attempt to circumvent emissions testing.
Dobrindt was quoted as saying a draft proposal on random testing would be presented to the Bundestag lower house of parliament on Thursday along with a call for the government to present plans to encourage motorists to switch to electric cars.
“There will be controls on vehicles in the style of doping tests (for athletes),” Dobrindt said, “unannounced and every year.” It was reported that Volkswagen has set aside 6.7 billion euros (RM31.5 billion) to help cover the costs of diesel recalls and another 2 billion euros (RM9.4 billion) for compensation payments related to its manipulations of carbon dioxide emission levels in Dieselgate.
It has also been reported that Volkswagen may have to divest its holdings in some of its brands, notably truck divisions MAN and Scania, and Ducati motorcycles. This measure may be implemented to help off-set losses arising from compensation payments, buy-backs, recalls and other matters related to Dieselgate.
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