Brussels
The European Union’s top environment official angered Germany last week by saying he planned to trade in his Mercedes for a more eco-friendly Japanese car. Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas was apparently getting back at the Germans for successfully lobbying against his proposed emissions cap for all cars made in Europe. German carmakers Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz currently provide most of the luxury sedans for E.U. officials. If Dimas starts driving a Toyota Prius, other officials may feel compelled to give up their gas-guzzlers.
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