Brussels, 12/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) is calling on the European Commission to take into account the economic constraints in the automobile market when it draws up the emissions testing modalities in real driving conditions.
Even though the organisation says it supports restricting the emissions of gas pollutants, particularly nitrous oxide (NOX), Erik Jonnaert, the organisation's secretary general explained in a press release, “it is, nonetheless, important to proceed in a way in which the manufacturers can plan and implement the necessary changes, without jeopardising the role of diesel as one of the key pillars for fulfilling future CO2 targets”.
If the conditions and deadlines are not realistic, some diesel vehicles would become too expensive and the situation would compel manufacturers to withdraw them from sale, explained the organisation. According to the latter, this situation could have repercussions on both consumer choice and jobs. The ACEA explained “this would not just affect passenger cars but also utility vehicles, where diesel is currently the technology of choice for the operators” in this field.
This interpretation appears to be shared by certain members at the EPP group at the European Parliament. Last week, Jerzy Buzek from Poland, asked whether the Volkswagen scandal helped cast light on the lack of realistic standards imposed in Europe regarding pollutant gas emissions. He made his contribution shortly before a speech made by Commissioner for the Internal Market and Industry, Elzbieta Bienkowska (see EUROPE 11404).
Greg Archer, clean vehicles manager at Transport & Environment, said “Automobile makers claim diesel cars are already clean, while at the same time they are asking EU ministers to delay when new emissions rules apply to new sales. It's time for carmakers to clean up their act and their vehicles”. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)