Mercedes And BMW Drivers Are Criminals? Germany Fights Back

India’s Environmental Minister Jairam Ramesh’s jab at diesel-powered trucks and SUVs is turning into a major diplomatic row. Turns out that he didn’t just call drivers of diesel-powered trucks and SUVs criminals. He also said that said the mere act of driving big-engined luxury models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz in India was “criminal”. Jaguars weren’t mentioned.

That immediately triggered a vigorous diplomatic response from Berlin. Germany’s Ambassador to Delhi, Thomas M. Matussek, said that German automakers are known for ground-breaking fuel efficiency standards. “It is very difficult to imagine that Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Environment and Forests, has made such specific comments on fuel technology with reference to German automotive manufacturers,” said the ambassador in a sharply worded demarche, sent in the direction of India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests.

With apparent input from German automotive interests, the German envoy to India praised Germany’s “most outstanding expertise in the area of engine development,” and said that the German automotive technology “is far advanced in reducing both fuel consumption and fuel emissions,” reports The Hindustan Times. He didn’t mention the nations that are being trumped by Germany, but you can fill in the blanks yourself.

And take this, India: “Leading German automotive manufacturers are already engaged in developing ground breaking fuel efficiency standards which may define how cars of tomorrow may be conceptualized,” the ambassador threatened.

If India’s auto industry wants to fulfill its dream of becoming a major export hub for cars, then India’s auto industry needs to put its minister of birds, bees, and trees on a shorter leash: European rules for fuel efficiency and emissions are tough and are getting tougher. You need to pass an exam called European Whole Vehicle Type Approval before getting admitted. The program is run by the European governments, but the opinion of the German Kraftfahrtbundesamt usually carries a lot of weight.