Well, we always said they were organized. Not only did German carmakers deceive regulators by installing cheat software on car engines during emissions tests, they colluded with each other to block the adoption of clean emissions technology, according to a new EU lawsuit reported by Reuters. Among other details:
- The plots were hatched at a series of “technical” meetings from 2006-2014 between BMW, Daimler, VW, Audi, and Porsche.
- The collusion centered on stonewalling selective catalytic reduction systems, intended to cut nitrogen oxide emissions, as well as particulate filters.
Although this was undoubtedly very naughty – BMW says its expects a fine of up to 1 billion Euros – ironically the anti-diesel campaign triggered by the 2016 emissions scandal may also be damaging the planet, according to the European Environment Agency. The backlash against diesel prompted Europeans to buy more gasoline-powered cars, raising CO2 emissions.
