Renault offers car owners in Germany up to €10,000 to trade in old diesel models for new cars
French car giant Renault is trying to persuade car owners to trade in their old diesel models in Germany in exchange for newer and cleaner alternatives.
European car makers are coming under increasing pressure from governments to ditch diesel in favour of low-emissions vehicles. Manufacturers have been hit with new emissions standards that came into force in September.
Renault said on its website that owners of diesel vehicles that met the Euro-5 or an older emissions standard could receive between €2,000 and €10,000 to trade in their old car. Renault said it did not matter what type of engine the new model has.
"The exchange offer is given to old diesel drivers of all brands who sign a new vehicle purchase agreement for a Renault car, no matter which type of drive, by 30 November 2018. The prerequisite is that the old diesel car is allowed to drive for at least six months. The premium depends on the value of the new vehicle," the car maker said.
Last month the EU competition commission announced it was investigating BMW, Volkswagen and Daimler over allegations they may have colluded to thwart the development of clean-emission technology for cars.
The probe relates to claims the car giants may have agreed not to compete against each other on the development and roll-out of technology aimed at reducing harmful emissions from petrol and diesel cars, in a breach of EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices.
If the commission finds evidence of deliberate wrongdoing it has the power to levy fines that could run up to the millions, if not billions. The commission has already issues fines for suspected of cartel behaviour, including car seats, parking heaters in cars and trucks and engine cooling systems.
Read more: BMW, VW and Daimler face EU probe over limiting clean-car technology