Calling it a knockout blow for diesel technology might be premature, but the Volkswagen effect has clearly had consequences. After the scandal that shook the German automaker, it was discovered that engines from other companies also failed their emissions tests or altered results, and some cities have said enough. Starting in 2025, Paris, Athens, and Mexico City will seek to adopt the same model as Tokyo, and remove diesel from the streets.
A systemic problem
One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel. An old saying if ever there was one, but perfectly valid despite its age. A good example was the so-called "Volkswagen scandal". It is very unlikely that the German brand will regain relevance on the other side of the pond, but its tricks left the entire diesel technology in a critical position. Authorities were quick to order studies on engines produced by other manufacturers, and what they found in most of them was not pretty. This led to the conclusion that the emissions problem in diesel engines is systemic, and as a solution, several cities have committed to banning diesel within less than a decade.
Which are the latest three to take that commitment? Paris, Athens, and Mexico City. The decision was made during the Sixth Biannual C40 Mayors Summit, which ended yesterday. According to Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, her city has the clear ambition to ban diesel, following the same model as Tokyo. The Japanese capital turned its back on it in 2000, although this decade, a series of new developments allowed it to return in a limited way. Essentially, Paris's move is an extension of its previous policies, which earlier in the year restricted the circulation of pre-1997 vehicles on weekends, with fines up to 500 euros in the worst case. As if that were not enough, these restrictions will be adjusted over time, and by 2020 only vehicles manufactured from 2011 onward will be able to circulate throughout the week.
To this we must add Germany's intention to ban internal combustion engines throughout its territory before 2030, and to extend it to the entire European Union. Now, how viable is the diesel ban in these four cities? Personally, I think it will be very difficult. Car owners and other heavy vehicle owners will defend tooth and nail their decision to use these engines, and it could only come to fruition with significant economic benefits aimed at purchasing new units.
Editor's note: The original text mentioned Madrid, but the city government indicates that the Spanish capital did not assume any commitment of this kind.
