Is The German Auto Industry Really Getting Greener?

Germany prides itself on its auto industry, and with good reason. German cars have a world reputation for performance, style, reliability and solid engineering. Its also one of the few countries where high performance cars can be fully put to the test, with many sections of its autobahns being free of speed restrictions - its not unusual when driving at very high speeds in Germany to be overtaken by other cars travelling at very very very high speeds.

So it was of little surprise that the German auto industry, represented by brands such as Mercedes, BMW, Porsche and Volkswagen Audi vigorously lobbied its government for concessions on new European fuel economy standards (see box text below). Manufacturers were chiefly concerned with loosing their dominance of the luxury car segment through being forced to manufacture smaller, more efficient cars.

“We don’t want Germany to became a nation of small car owners”

President of the German automotive industry association, Matthias Wissmann, told a news conference recently “We don’t want Germany to became a nation of small car owners”. The German government has backed its automakers, claiming that the EU proposals place an unfair burden on German industry in comparison to the French and Italians.

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However, according to the industry, consumers are taking a lead on environmental issues and are voting with their cheque books in dealer’s showrooms. Co2 emissions of new German cars registered in 2007 fell by 1.7 percent to just under 170 grams per kilometre. “There’s been a huge increase in buyers’ sensitivity for climate protection.”, said Wissmann, noting that he had experienced the change in German attitudes to car purchases first hand whilst spending time in car showrooms recently.

Attitudes, or simply spare cash?

However, a further look at the sales statistics shows that the small decrease in Co2 emissions is more likely due to the fact that sales in general are lower, dropping 9% in 2007, following increases in vehicle sales taxes and rising fuel costs. This suggests that German car buyers are being more frugal with their cash rather than being environmentally conscious.

Germany leads the way in many green initiatives, being Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy, most diligent recycler of waste, and a fierce advocate for action on climate change. It’s a pity that Germany appears apparently unwilling to apply its obvious engineering talents to green auto technology.

As told by a spokesman from BUND, a German environmental group, “The car industry has to finally accept the challenges of climate protection… Otherwise Germany is going to lose its credibility at future climate protection negotiations.”

Sources:

Reuters, EU Business, TalkClimateChange

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