The heavy vehicle industry is likely to face increased scrutiny on real-world emissions following the revelations that Volkswagen has been using a device that deliberately cheated in tests in the USA. The full impact of the resulting inquiries is yet to be determined, but the sector is braced for significant pressure to clamp down on emissions and challenge the use of diesel-powered vehicles in urban areas.
In response to the revelations, the SMMT issued a statement which appeared to try and deflect the blame entirely on to VW: “The UK automotive industry understands the concerns consumers may have following the actions of one manufacturer in regard to emissions testing and the subsequent decision to recall a large number of its cars. This is, however, an issue affecting just one company and there is no evidence to suggest that any other company is involved, let alone that this is an industry-wide issue.”
While the SMMT has responded to the issue in terms of cars, the issue is even more relevant to the diesel-dominated heavy truck and bus sectors.
“On the separate on-going debate about real world testing, industry accepts that the current test method for cars is out of date and is seeking agreement from the European Commission for a new emissions test that embraces new testing technologies and which is more representative of on-road conditions,” says the SMMT.
The industry has also been highlighting the fact that Euro 6 vehicles have much tougher emissions limits, and also include on-board diagnostics requirements which will monitor in-use emissions.
One of the companies fitting aftertreatment systems to bring older Euro standard vehicles up to the latest specifications, Eminox, says the VW scandal has highlighted the need for in-use testing of vehicle emissions.
“The VW issues are clearly very serious, but we hope people will look beyond the headlines and will not demonise all diesel vehicles,” says Eminox’s Martin Ott. “Emission control systems such as SCRT can deliver near zero emissions from diesel engines and robust in-use testing can give users the confidence that’s what they are actually getting.”
