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Germany: SUV controversy after fatal accident in Berlin

A serious traffic accident in Berlin, which killed four people in the heart of Berlin, revived the debate over the presence of SUVs in the city. The case comes at the worst moment for the German car industry, as these vehicles are at the top of sales and just opened the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Many pedestrians are on Invalidenstraße in the heart of Berlin on Friday night. Cafes and restaurants are full. The busy street connects Berlin Central Station with the trendy Prenzlauerberg district. It's still daytime when a 4x4 Porsche suddenly rushes off the high-speed reverse lane, hits the roadblocks that surround a construction site and ends up in a green space. On the sidewalk, four people including a child of 3 years and his grandmother die before the eyes of the child's mother, even before the arrival of help. The causes of the accident are still unclear but the terrorist track is excluded. The driver, who may have had health problems while driving, is silent.

In Berlin, the emotion is very strong. The next day, hundreds of people are gathered for a silent sit-in , at the scene of the accident. Banners are brandished against the SUV, which should be banished from cities according to the demonstrators. Since then, the debate is raging in the country

SUVs, particularly harmful ...

SUVs are presented by environmental advocates as particularly harmful. These large-engined vehicles would consume too much fuel. The weight of SUVs is even more controversial: 200 to 300 tonnes, while the manufacture of one tonne of steel is responsible for 1.3 tonnes of CO2. Criticism focuses on the use of SUV in the city: symbol of a social status of success, the 4x4 would need, with its 5 meters long too much space to park.

In addition, the accident highlights the safety aspect: SUVs when involved in an accident, are responsible for greater damage for other vehicles, passersby and cyclists. The Greens, the NGO Greenpeace multiply the claims, including the prohibition of SUV in the city. According to a survey, 58% of the inhabitants of large cities would be in favor. In sparsely populated areas, 59% of respondents are against such restrictions.

The accident occurred on the eve of the Frankfurt Motor Show, a very important event for the German car industry

The accident and the ensuing debate had an impact on the show. Daimler has ended its advertising campaign for its latest 4x4 models. Many exhibitors focus on clean and electric vehicles. But the manufacturers do not intend to give up a market as juicy as the SUV.

In Germany, 30% of new registrations are SUVs. Last August, while vehicle sales declined, 4x4 sales were up 11%. In the United States or China, the demand is even stronger. Above all, manufacturers earn almost nothing on electric cars, while SUVs generate significant margins: 8% for a limousine; nearly double for 4x4s. No question in this context for the government to endanger a sector that employs 850,000 people, the double taking into account the subcontractors.

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