Autoschrott in Afrika: Was deutsche Gebrauchtwagen anrichten | Die Story | Kontrovers | BR24

Summary

The video script explores the journey of old German cars to Ghana, where they end up as scrap in the second-largest economy of West Africa. It delves into the process of exporting these vehicles, which are often too old or unsafe for European roads, and the impact on local mechanics and the environment. The script highlights the harsh working conditions of mechanics like George, who work tirelessly to repair these cars, and the challenges faced by oil recyclers. It also touches on Ghana's efforts to restrict the import of excessively old used cars and the lack of EU regulations to ensure proper disposal of vehicles and their materials.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The second-largest economy in West Africa is a hub for old German cars, which are being used as scrap vehicles.
• 🚗 The process of how these cars end up in Ghana is a significant part of the narrative, highlighting the journey from Germany to Africa.
• 🏭 In Germany, a 25-year-old Golf car is at the end of its life cycle and the owner wants to sell it, illustrating the beginning of the export chain.
• 📉 The car's lack of a technical inspection (TÜV) and malfunctioning features like the ABS and airbag light up, indicating its unsuitability for use in Germany.
• 💶 The owner hopes to sell the car for 500€, but the reality is much harsher, with a suggestion to sell it for as cheap as possible, reflecting the car's diminished value.
• 🚢 Nearly a million used cars are exported from the EU to third countries each year, with many ending up in West Africa, indicating a massive scale of this trade.
• 🚫 The export of scrap cars is technically forbidden, as they are considered hazardous waste and should be disposed of within the EU, yet they are declared as used cars for export.
• 🛃 In Tema, the largest port in Ghana, over 100,000 cars are unloaded each year, awaiting customs control and their fate in the country.
• 🔨 Mechanics in Ghana work under harsh conditions, often in the open without proper equipment, to repair and reuse these imported cars.
• 💰 The economic necessity drives people into jobs like car repair, even when they have other qualifications, highlighting the impact of the used car influx on local industries.
• 🛑 Ghana is attempting to restrict the excessive import of used cars by setting rules such as a maximum age limit of ten years for imported vehicles, in an effort to curb environmental and economic issues.
• 📝 The script raises questions about the lack of EU regulations on the export of used cars, especially regarding the proper disposal and recycling of hazardous materials in the cars.

Q & A

What is the significance of the second-largest economy in West Africa in the context of the video?

The second-largest economy in West Africa refers to Ghana, which is a major destination for old German cars that are exported as scrap or used vehicles.

How do old German cars end up in Ghana?

Old German cars are exported to Ghana, often declared as used cars rather than scrap, despite regulations that should require them to be disposed of within the EU due to their age and condition.

Why does the owner of the 25-year-old Golf car want to sell it?

The owner wants to sell the Golf car because it no longer has a valid technical inspection (TÜV) and has issues with the ABS and airbag systems, making it unfit for use on the road.

What is the economic incentive for exporting old cars to Ghana?

The economic incentive is the potential profit from selling old cars at a lower cost, as seen when a dealer considers buying the Golf car for 200 Euros.

What is the environmental impact of exporting old cars to Ghana?

The environmental impact includes pollution from the cars themselves, which are often too old or unsafe for use in Europe, and the potential harm from improper disposal or recycling of their parts.

How do mechanics in Ghana deal with the influx of old cars?

Mechanics in Ghana work under challenging conditions, often outdoors without proper equipment, to repair and repurpose the old cars, which can include welding and shaping metal by hand.

What is the situation of the young welder George in the video?

George is a young apprentice working in a workshop, tasked with removing rust and welding new metal onto a 20-year-old minibus. He faces long hours, poor pay, and hazardous working conditions.

Why is the recycling of old cars in Ghana problematic?

The recycling of old cars in Ghana is problematic due to the lack of proper safety equipment, the use of hazardous chemicals, and the potential health risks to the workers involved.

What is the policy of Ghana regarding the import of used cars?

Ghana has a policy to restrict the import of used cars by setting an age limit of ten years for imported vehicles, in an attempt to reduce the influx of old cars and encourage the development of a domestic industry.

What is the role of the EU in regulating the export of used cars?

Prior to the proposal of a new directive, the EU had little regulation on the export of used cars. The new directive suggests that only roadworthy cars, such as those that have passed a technical inspection like TÜV, should be exported.

What is the impact of the old car influx on the local industry in Ghana?

The influx of old cars hinders the development of a local automotive industry in Ghana, as it floods the market with cheap, used vehicles that compete with the establishment of new, locally produced cars.