VW scandal might spur new low-emission car solutions, says Germany

Deputy environment minister says country's green image has not been harmed by scandal that could force car manufacturers to come up with improved clean-energy designs

Volkswagen's emissions cheating scandal could force German carmakers to come up with new and better ways to build more climate-friendly vehicles, a senior government official said on Wednesday.

Deputy environment minister, Jochen Flasbarth, said he did not believe the scandal had damaged Germany's image as a leader in environmental protection ahead of a UN climate summit in Paris in December.