Skip to main content

FIA calls for swift implementation of real driving emissions

Now that the European Parliament voted to approve legislation to measure real driving emissions (RDE), FIA Region 1 has called for swift implementation and strengthened targets to restore consumer and decision-maker trust. RDE seeks to complement laboratory tests and check whether announced NOx emissions levels are confirmed in real driving conditions. However, the package includes a conformity factor of 2.1 whereby on-road vehicles would be allowed to emit more than twice the official limit from 2017 to
February 4, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Now that the European Parliament voted to approve legislation to measure real driving emissions (RDE), FIA Region 1 has called for swift implementation and strengthened targets to restore consumer and decision-maker trust.

RDE seeks to complement laboratory tests and check whether announced NOx emissions levels are confirmed in real driving conditions. However, the package includes a conformity factor of 2.1 whereby on-road vehicles would be allowed to emit more than twice the official limit from 2017 to 2019. By 2020, all new models would be permitted to emit 50 per cent more NOx than legal limits.

The Commission has committed to reviewing the conformity factor which will be brought to 1 as soon as possible and at the latest in 2023. This complementary approach is still the first of its kind and is much needed, in the wake of the diesel scandal. Consumers are now painfully aware of the deficiencies of the current testing regime.

FIA Region I director general, Jacob Bangsgaard, said the real driving emission package will equip Europe with a framework to assess in-use vehicle emissions, giving motorists the opportunity to get better information. “We cautiously welcome the current package, as a first step to be refined with stricter conformity targets in the course of implementation,” he said. “This decision allows for a start to testing in-use emissions sooner rather than later. It is our hope that this legislation will trigger innovation to make sure consumers get efficient vehicles for their daily mobility needs.”

Related Content

  • February 15, 2017
    Automotive OEMs standardise testing to comply with RDE deadlines, say researchers
    Following 'dieselgate', the previously lax automobile emission testing procedures tightened and all European original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are now required to implement real driving emissions (RDE). In September, RDE testing will have a conformity factor of 2.1, which will change to 1.5 by September 2021. OEMs will be more transparent with their testing methods and results. After the implementation of RDE, adoption of World Harmonisation Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) will be simpler. The
  • November 5, 2014
    FIA demands better solutions than road pricing for mobility
    The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Region I took part in the European Parliament’s Transport Committee recent open hearing on road user charging, speaking on behalf of Europe’s motorists. The hearing was held to debate road user charging and how it can be tackled on an EU-wide basis. The FIA highlighted the amount that drivers and motorcyclists already pay in taxes and offered viable alternative solutions to road pricing, such as strict targets for emissions thresholds, park and ride sta
  • December 19, 2014
    FIA ‘regrets delay in eCall implementation’
    On 17 December, the European Council formally approved eCall type-approval legislation, ensuring that the lifesaving emergency call technology will be installed as a standard feature in all new vehicles by 2018. Had decisive action been taken as long ago as 2010, eCall could already be saving 2,500 lives per year on European roads. The Federation Nationale de l’Automobile (FIA) regrets the current the delay until 2018, but recognises this important step for safety as eCall will become a universal feature
  • April 7, 2017
    Ertico weaves tunnel visions into the ‘big picture’
    As he takes the wheel at Ertico - ITS Europe, Jacob Bangsgaard talks to ITS International about the challenges and opportunities facing the organisation and the ITS industry. Ertico - ITS Europe’s new CEO, Jacob Bangsgaard, is no stranger to the organisation having spent five years there before moving to the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) in 2006. Four years later he became director general of the FIA’s Region I (EMEA), which represents more than 100 mobility clubs, and in 2012 he joined Er