Sascha Hahn

Ph.D. Title: A state-industrial Perspective on CO2-Emission Standards for Passenger Cars: a Comparison between the Japan and Germany

As a response to the increasing CO2 emissions by road transportation different countries and regions have implemented fuel economy or CO2-emission standards for passenger cars. Depending on each single standard, the implementation and achievement of the set standards appear to be different. But what does really matter for the success of CO2 emission standard policies? What kind of mechanisms between economy and state agencies support a positive fuel economy development?

From the practical perspective, there are two important reasons to answer these questions. First, findings of this research would provide some insights to the broader question “how to involve industry in environmental protection?”. Second, conflicts between regulators and industry will most likely rise because of the necessary technical transition to reach the targets of the Paris agreement. This research might help to optimize the policy process in terms of conflict resolution and keeping a sustainable development.

In order to answer these questions, this research examines the causes for the success of the Japanese “Top Runner Program” regarding emission standards for passenger cars. The results of the Japanese case are compared to Germany framed by the European context. Japan and Germany are depending on the success of their automotive industry and both countries have a close state-industrial link, but still the results of their fuel economy performance vary. The research is testing three hypotheses against each other framed by Actor-centered Institutionalism.