Audi, BMW Agree to Cut Emissions from Older Diesels in Bavaria

BMW AG and Volkswagen AG’s Audi unit have agreed to lower the emissions of their current-generation Euro 5 diesels in the state of Bavaria by updating engine control software.

Reuters reports the companies also will help develop an incentive plan that encourages Bavarian owners of older diesels that meet less stringent Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards to trade in their cars on Euro 5 models. Audi and BMW have their headquarters in Bavaria.

The regional plan comes ahead of German general elections in September. Politicians are pressuring German carmakers to get more aggressive in helping to lower emissions of nitrogen oxide emissions in cities. Concern about NOx from diesels has skyrocketed since VW admitted rigging the NOx controls in 8.5 million diesels it sold in Europe.

BMW CEO Harald Krueger says the initiative is a “more intelligent” option than the spread of outright diesel bans in city centers. Worries about NOx-related respiratory problems have hobbled sales of cleaner-running current-generation diesels.

The proposed software updates are likely to address a loophole in current European emission rules that allows cars to legally exceed NOx limits when necessary to protect their diesel engines from damage. Critics say some carmakers have abused that allowance with software that loosens emission controls over a broad range of non-threatening driving conditions.