Automobile Barometer 2024: Ban on Combustion Engines and Environmental Regulations - Are They Really Effective?

With driving bans and environmental zones, governments and cities worldwide are trying to limit CO2 emissions from cars. In Germany alone, there are currently 39 environmental zones, each with different rules and schedules.

In addition, the EU has adopted a complex framework of pollutant and emission standards over the past few years, which in turn influence vehicle taxes and driving bans.

According to the Automotive Barometer 2024 "Motorists are in a fog" by Consors Finanz, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to keep track. In this context, 44 percent of respondents in Germany feel they are not well informed about the current regulations. Globally, 50 percent agree with this statement.

Actually sensible, but …

Consumers mostly show understanding for environmental measures. 74 percent can understand the reasons for driving bans and the like (72 percent worldwide). 60 percent also understand how the various regulations can concretely solve current problems (also 60 percent worldwide).

However, when looking at individual measures, doubts become apparent. 61 percent of the Germans surveyed consider environmental zones a necessary tool to improve air quality (66 percent worldwide), but at the same time 64 percent believe that they are ultimately insufficient to achieve this goal (58 percent worldwide).

Regarding the combustion engine ban, 56 percent of Germans are convinced of its necessity (63 percent worldwide). However, 59 percent believe that the ban is not an effective means of combating environmental pollution.

Measures socially unjust

Apart from that, around 80 percent of consumers in Germany and worldwide find the measures socially unjust, and many consider the implementation timelines for individual measures too ambitious. For example, regarding the introduction of environmental zones, 67 percent of Germans surveyed (70 percent worldwide) believe it is happening too quickly. For the combustion engine ban, 68 percent in Germany and 70 percent worldwide share this view.

Measures have no impact on purchasing behavior 

Diesel, petrol, or electric car? Current environmental regulations have little influence on purchasing decisions. Consumers tend to be more pragmatic in this regard. Only 23 percent of Germans would be willing to buy a new car to be able to use environmental zones. 

For comparison: Worldwide, 27 percent would consider it. The exception is China, where 54 percent of respondents would replace their current car to be able to pass through environmental zones. 

Some of the respondents also expect more support from manufacturers. 31 percent of Germans demand a guarantee from carmakers that their vehicle can drive in all environmental zones now and in the future. Globally, only 24 percent think this way.