Germany's greenhouse gas emissions fell in 2017, largely thanks to the closure of coal-fired power plants, but automakers and factories still need to do more to cut pollution, government officials said. Overall emissions in Europe's biggest economy fell 0.5 percent through the year, according to preliminary data released by a federal environment agency."While energy-related emissions fell significantly, those in transport and the manufacturing industry went up," the Umweltbundesamt (UBA) said in a statement."Therefore, additional measures are necessary to set Germany on a course toward its targets again."The energy industry, which is undergoing a staged transition to renewable technologies, saw its emissions fall by 4.1 percent, or 13.7 million tons, in 2017, the UBA said.
Brussels, 15 March 2018 – In February 2018 the EU passenger car market grew by 4.3%, with new registrations totalling 1,125,397. In volume terms, last month saw the best February results since 2008. In February 2018 the EU passenger car market grew by 4.3%, with new registrations totalling 1,125,397. In volume terms, last month saw the best February results since 2008. Nearly all major EU markets posted growth, except for the United Kingdom (-2.8%) – where car sales declined for the 11th consecutive month – and Italy (-1.4%). Spain (+13.0%) recorded the strongest gains, followed by Germany (+7.4%) and France (+4.3%). From January to February 2018, demand for new cars increased by 5.8% in the European Union, counting 2,378,965 units in total. Momentum is starting to slow down in certain markets, especially in the United Kingdom (-5.1%). However, passenger car registrations continued to grow in Spain (+16.4%), Germany (+9.5%) and France (+3.4%) during the first two months of 2018.