That's a tricky comment. For disabling something that is perfectly functional I agree, but if it's broken then what to do?
Since the late 2000s all diesel vehicles sold in Europe have had a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that helps reduce NOx emissions. After 150,000 - 200,000km these end up becoming blocked up and need replacing. If you don't you'll have reduced engine power and could even damage the engine. Except you can't get a replacement, these parts are designed for that specific car, often have complicated electronics, etc. You can sometimes get remanufactured or used parts from salvage, but they probably aren't going to last very long and are still expensive (€1500+ for parts and labour). So you have a car that is perfectly functional, except the emissions system is broken. Replacing it may cost a significant fraction of the value of the car.
What pretty much everyone does (even in Western countries) is have it removed. Of course you aren't supposed to, and this is supposed to be checked when the vehicle is inspected (visually, note that car inspections do not test NOx emissions in Europe), but everyone turns a blind eye.
The manufacturers are the ones who are really to blame here. Why make something that can't be replaced on the car?
I'd really like to see the EU taking a harder line on diesel engines (petrol is much less polluting), but it's probably not going to happen because of the big car manufacturers who are all heavily invested in diesel. In most of Europe petrol is taxed more than diesel, which from an environmental viewpoint really doesn't make any sense. With hybrid technology petrol can be just as fuel efficient, and is mechanically much simpler. At least EVs seem to be set to take over both for light vehicles.
