Mercedes-Benz Offers Subsidies To Retrofit Older Diesel Cars In Germany
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Daimler said on Tuesday Mercedes-Benz customers in Germany could apply for a 3,000 euro ($3,350) subsidy to upgrade the exhaust filters of older, polluting diesel vehicles, the latest effort among German carmakers to avoid inner-city bans.
Carmakers have been forced to consider upgrading exhaust treatment systems on older cars after German cities started banning heavily polluting diesel vehicles to cut fine particulate matter and toxic nitrogen oxides.
Daimler launched a website this week to process applications for financial support, as German motor authority KBA seeks to approve an after-market kit to upgrade the exhaust systems on various Mercedes diesel passenger vehicles.
The company has offered the subsidy to customers in German regions that face potential driving bans, the carmaker said. For a factbox about possible diesel bans, click:.
The first retrofit kit for Mercedes cars with “Euro 5” diesel engines, including the best-selling E220 and E250 models, has been developed by Dr Pley SCR Technology, a Bavaria-based, family-owned business.
German carmakers initially offered software updates and shied away from endorsing hardware retrofits, instead of lobbying for customers to buy new cars with cleaner engines.
But consumer groups pressured carmakers to endorse retrofits as a more cost-effective measure.
“We have known right from the start that retrofits are feasible and have now proved this to the carmakers,” said Thomas Steinbrueckner, head of development at Dr Pley SCR Technology.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific Mercedes-Benz models are covered by the first retrofit kit?
Which specific Mercedes-Benz models are covered by the first retrofit kit?
The first retrofit kit covers Mercedes cars with “Euro 5” diesel engines. This includes the best-selling E220 and E250 models, according to the article.
Q.Who developed the first retrofit kit for Mercedes cars?
Who developed the first retrofit kit for Mercedes cars?
The first retrofit kit for Mercedes cars with “Euro 5” diesel engines was developed by Dr Pley SCR Technology. This company is described as a Bavaria-based, family-owned business.
Q.Why are German carmakers now considering hardware retrofits for older diesel cars?
Why are German carmakers now considering hardware retrofits for older diesel cars?
Carmakers were forced to consider upgrading exhaust treatment systems after German cities began banning heavily polluting diesel vehicles. Consumer groups also pressured carmakers to endorse retrofits as a more cost-effective measure.
Q.How much financial support is Mercedes-Benz offering for these retrofits?
How much financial support is Mercedes-Benz offering for these retrofits?
Mercedes-Benz customers in Germany can apply for a 3,000 euro subsidy to upgrade the exhaust filters of older, polluting diesel vehicles. The article states this amount is equivalent to $3,350.
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