Brussels, 20/01/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 19 January, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) expressed its support for the agreement concluded on 28 October in committee procedures regarding the greater flexibility introduced for NOx emissions in diesel engines, when vehicle emissions tests were introduced in the EU in Real Driving Conditions (RDE). The ACEA criticises the uncertainty created by the threat of a Parliament veto. On this occasion the ACEA again highlighted the urgent need (crucial for planning) to provide clarification on these RDE tests, whose introduction is, in its opinion, just as urgent.
This demand was formulated the day following the debate held by the MEPs during the plenary session in Strasbourg, about the motion from the Environmental Committee at the European Parliament, which calls on the latter to reject this agreement when it gives its verdict next February (see EUROPE 11471).
“We urgently need to have a new test method to bridge the gap between the current laboratory testing of pollutant emissions, as defined by law, and the very different conditions experienced on the road” said Erik Jonnaert, ACEA secretary general, in a press release.
Contrary to those calling for the agreement to be rejected because they believe it does not go far enough, the ACEA described the agreement concluded at the Technical Committee for Motor Vehicles (TCMV) as a “solid compromise”. According to Jonnaert, testing standards will be extremely difficult for automobile manufacturers to reach “in a short space of time, and highly challenging targets in a second step”. He pointed out that whatever happens, “the industry urgently needs clarity now so manufacturers can plan the development and design of vehicles in line with the new RDE requirements.” (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)