ShareMAC: EU orders Germany to stop using R134a in new models of vehicles
The European Commission ordered Germany to stop using R134a or to face court action and possible fines.
On September 25, 2014, the European Commission ordered Germany to stop using R134a within two months or face court action and possible fines.
According to the Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) Directive, by January 1, 2017, all new vehicles in the European Union (EU) are to be equipped with air-conditioning systems using refrigerants with GWP under 150. This provision, which targets R134a (GWP = 1300), is already applicable from January 1, 2011 to all new models of vehicles.
The EU executive's decision follows months of investigation by the Commission after German luxury carmaker Daimler refused to stop using R 134a and won backing from German authorities.
"The Commission sent a formal request to Germany to take the necessary actions to apply the EU MAC Directive," the Commission said in a statement. "Germany now has two months to take the necessary measures to comply with the Commission's request. If they fail to do so, the Commission may decide to refer the matter to the European Court of Justice."
A diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said Germany would reply to the Commission within two months and was talking to regulators. The diplomat said Germany maintained its stance that there was no breach of EU law.
According to the Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) Directive, by January 1, 2017, all new vehicles in the European Union (EU) are to be equipped with air-conditioning systems using refrigerants with GWP under 150. This provision, which targets R134a (GWP = 1300), is already applicable from January 1, 2011 to all new models of vehicles.
The EU executive's decision follows months of investigation by the Commission after German luxury carmaker Daimler refused to stop using R 134a and won backing from German authorities.
"The Commission sent a formal request to Germany to take the necessary actions to apply the EU MAC Directive," the Commission said in a statement. "Germany now has two months to take the necessary measures to comply with the Commission's request. If they fail to do so, the Commission may decide to refer the matter to the European Court of Justice."
A diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said Germany would reply to the Commission within two months and was talking to regulators. The diplomat said Germany maintained its stance that there was no breach of EU law.