German automakers' diesel emissions collusion revealed in 2006 documents
German automakers discussed limiting diesel emissions tech in 2006
German automakers' diesel emissions collusion revealed in 2006 documents
Documents show German carmakers colluded to restrict diesel emissions-reduction technologies as early as 2006, raising questions about environmental standards.
2026-02-28T17:57:20+03:00
2026-02-28T17:57:20+03:00
2026-02-28T17:57:20+03:00
German automakers were discussing ways to limit emissions-reduction technologies for diesel engines as far back as 2006. This information comes from documents submitted to the High Court in London, according to a report by Follow The Money.In 2021, the European Commission fined BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche nearly €900 million for collusion. The companies had agreed to restrict the use of exhaust-cleaning technologies to avoid competing with each other on reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Daimler avoided a fine by being the first to report the violations.Newly revealed documents show that as early as 2006, manufacturers discussed reducing the use of AdBlue and coordinated explanations for regulators. They argued that the small AdBlue tank capacity and the inconvenience of frequent refills for customers justified their approach.Whether additional sanctions might follow in Europe remains unclear. The companies have already faced fines in South Korea for similar violations. The European Commission has stated it is not a party to the current proceedings, and experts are skeptical about the likelihood of further action.This case raises broader questions about which vehicles truly meet environmental standards, especially as regulations for modern diesel models continue to tighten.
German automakers, diesel emissions, emissions collusion, AdBlue, NOx emissions, European Commission fines, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Porsche, environmental standards
2026
Michael Powers
news
German automakers discussed limiting diesel emissions tech in 2006
Documents show German carmakers colluded to restrict diesel emissions-reduction technologies as early as 2006, raising questions about environmental standards.
Michael Powers, Editor
German automakers were discussing ways to limit emissions-reduction technologies for diesel engines as far back as 2006. This information comes from documents submitted to the High Court in London, according to a report by Follow The Money.
In 2021, the European Commission fined BMW, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche nearly €900 million for collusion. The companies had agreed to restrict the use of exhaust-cleaning technologies to avoid competing with each other on reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Daimler avoided a fine by being the first to report the violations.
Newly revealed documents show that as early as 2006, manufacturers discussed reducing the use of AdBlue and coordinated explanations for regulators. They argued that the small AdBlue tank capacity and the inconvenience of frequent refills for customers justified their approach.
Whether additional sanctions might follow in Europe remains unclear. The companies have already faced fines in South Korea for similar violations. The European Commission has stated it is not a party to the current proceedings, and experts are skeptical about the likelihood of further action.
This case raises broader questions about which vehicles truly meet environmental standards, especially as regulations for modern diesel models continue to tighten.
