Volkswagen calls for stricter environmental standards

Most industrial businesses aren’t too happy to see new environmental laws take effect, but Volkswagen AG is positive that the world needs harsher laws still.

The European Parliament reached a decision last month to clamp down on greenhouse gases in the European Union, setting the goal to reduce their amount by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. An earlier plan had the goal set to 40%.

Many automakers were skeptical about this change, bemoaning the need to develop and implement new environmental protection strategies and invest increasing amounts into keeping their current fleets on the market. So, why would Volkswagen be an exception?

The most likely explanation is one that is purely economic, rather than ecological. The German corporation already has two EV platforms ready for production and multiple battery-powered cars (see our gallery and the video for some examples). In this regard, the company is far ahead of most traditional carmakers and is in a position to put pressure upon its competitors by asking for stricter eco norms.