TÜV Association proposes stricter controls for old cars in Germany, aiming to reduce pollution and improve air quality, affecting 16 million vehicles

In Germany, the TÜV Association is calling for stricter rules for older vehicles, especially those that do not meet pollution standards. The goal is to reduce pollution and improve air quality, and estimates show that the new regulation could affect approximately 16 million vehicles, nearly a third of the German vehicle fleet. Currently, cars undergo mandatory technical inspection every two years, but older models barely pass the tests, without rigorous emission measurements.

The issue has been exacerbated by the Dieselgate scandal, which revealed emissions manipulation by Volkswagen. The Higher Administrative Court of Schleswig-Holstein recently ruled that the 'thermal window' technology cannot be approved, and environmental organizations are calling for the software of affected vehicles to be updated. The European Commission is also examining reforms to emission tests that could also affect older gasoline vehicles. TÜV emphasizes the need for tougher measures to protect public health, considering that other countries have already implemented strict tests for nitrogen oxide emissions.