In the dispute over possible diesel bans on dirty air in German cities has VW CEO Herbert Diess a criticized too emotional discussion. “We already see responsibility for ourselves, especially at Volkswagen “he said on Thursday on the ZDF broadcast” Maybrit Illner Nevertheless, I consider the discussion we are conducting now too emotional. ”
At the same time Diess emphasized that Volkswagen is not against the hardware retrofit utter. If there are appropriate legal solutions, VW will participate in it – “if the customer wants it then”. However, VW wants to continue to bear the cost of only 80 percent. In addition, the affected diesel vehicles are according to the software updates to “100 percent compliant”.
Chancellery minister Helge Brown (CDU) was also a guest at the Illner Talks, saying, “There is a clear expectation that the diesel -Customers are not asked to pay. “The corporations would have to take care of the car owners – and the municipalities would have a view with regard to intelligent traffic control, for example.
In Germany, the limit value for nitrogen dioxide is exceeded in many places. It can irritate respiratory system and eyes that interfere with lung function or cause cardiovascular disease. Courts have therefore, for example, arranged for Stuttgart, Hamburg and Berlin in places driving bans for older diesel for 2019.
Diesel dispute as a Hessian campaign issue
Chancellor practiced on Thursday Angela Merkel and Hesse’s prime minister Volker Bouffier (both CDU) continue pressure on the auto industry out. “It’s so incredibly annoying that the German car industry has lost so much confidence because it’s such an important industry,” Merkel said at a campaign event in Fulda. “And that’s why the automotive industry must finally learn the lessons.” The companies would have to make up for the damage they had done.
In Hesse is elected on Sunday , In Fulda, Prime Minister Bouffier criticized how different Volkswagen is in terms of mitigating damage: “It is unacceptable that billions would be paid in America, so that no one from VW goes to jail, and here in Germany they are trying to get away from the field . ” He hopes VW will reconsider its position in Germany. “I do not want the diesel driver to be the stupid one.”