Germany considers emission spotchecks
Germany could introduce unannounced emission tests on all carmakers in a bid to reinstate confidence in the industry.
Speaking to German newspaper Bild, Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt said, ‘There will be controls on vehicles in the style of doping tests (for athletes) – unannounced and every year.’
The newspaper suggested one way to carry out the tests would be selected models from car rental companies, with testing technicians rotated regularly to ensure transparency.
A draft proposal is expected to be presented to the Bundestag lower house of parliament on Thursday.
It’s understood this measure is in response to the Volkswagen scandal, which erupted last September when the company admitted to installing software to cheat emissions tests in up to 11 million vehicles.
