Dieselgate

The interim report from the Committee of Inquiry into Emission Measurements (EMIS) has been passed by MEPs with a strong majority on Tuesday, 13 September.

Commenting on the vote, Greens/EFA energy spokesperson and shadow rapporteur for the interim report Claude Turmes said:

"As we reach halftime in the inquiry process, it is clear that evidence of huge discrepancies between diesel NOx emission in real driving and the limit values established in the law was known, and tolerated, for almost a decade. It seems that the European Commission services responsible for the automotive industry turned a blind eye to mounting evidence which should have raised suspicions and led to further investigations. In the United States, where the authorities had the same information on massive discrepancies but did not have concrete evidence of defeat devices, they nonetheless investigated until VW was obliged to admit fraud. It is a shame that the Commission and Member States failed to act with the same diligence.

“It is clear that, if we are to re-establish consumer confidence following the scandal, the regulations for the approval of diesel engines will have to be watertight, including greater EU oversight and enforcement powers. It is equally necessary that the penalties in cases of cheating are substantial, both as a deterrent, and to prove to the public that the Commission is prepared to punish fraud appropriately."

You can read more about the inquiry process to date on our Dieselgate website: http://dieselgate.greens-efa.eu/1-year-dieselgate-15937.html