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France to consider phasing out diesel tax breaks for cars

Environment minister Ségolène Royal told TV interview: 'It’s obvious that it’s necessary to prepare the end of diesel.'

La rédaction de Mediapart

This article is freely available.

French environment minister Ségolène Royal said carmakers must prepare for the day when diesel no longer is used to power vehicles and that the government is considering ending its tax advantage compared to other types of fuel, reports Bloomberg.

"It’s obvious that it’s necessary to prepare the end of diesel," she said during an interview with France 5 television station.

France is among countries investigating whether Volkswagen AG deceived customers about the emissions levels of its diesel cars, which may lead to fines on the German automaker.

About 59 percent of newly registered vehicles in France last year were diesel, making the country one of the biggest users in Europe.

Read more of this report from Bloomberg.