Skip to main content

FIA urges more rigorous vehicle emissions testing

In light of the VW emissions testing scandal, FIA Region I continues to urge the introduction of a more rigorous testing procedure for vehicle emissions and fuel consumption in the EU. Although vehicles are passing the tests, a growing body of evidence shows that virtually no vehicle, whether diesel or petrol, can comply with emissions levels achieved in testing when in real-world settings. The FIA and its members have consistently supported the introduction of a robust test cycle and real driving emiss
September 28, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
In light of the VW emissions testing scandal, 8054 FIA Region I continues to urge the introduction of a more rigorous testing procedure for vehicle emissions and fuel consumption in the EU. Although vehicles are passing the tests, a growing body of evidence shows that virtually no vehicle, whether diesel or petrol, can comply with emissions levels achieved in testing when in real-world settings.

The FIA and its members have consistently supported the introduction of a robust test cycle and real driving emissions measurements. According to the ICCT, the gap in CO2 emissions on the road, as opposed to in the laboratory, has reached 38 per cent in 2013 compared to eight per cent in 2001. FIA Region I member, ADAC in Germany, has run independent ‘eco tests’, which frequently unveil particulate level variations from 7-20 times more than allowed in European legislation.

Motorists bear the burden of this gap and they are increasingly penalised by the authorities on particulate emissions as well. Legislators should limit the information asymmetry by: Implementing a better test procedure, the World Light Duty Procedure, by 2017; Making sure that real driving emissions legislation is implemented as soon as possible. Vehicles should not be allowed to diverge from the Euro 6 Legislation by more than 1.5 (the so-called conformity factor); providing consumers with clear energy efficiency labelling for new vehicles, based on realistic figures.

Jacob Bangsgaard, FIA Region I Director General, said running costs are of great concern to consumers so they should continue to demand that vehicle manufacturers develop solutions to ensure that vehicles become as efficient as possible on our roads. If the current system results in efficiency benefits being withheld from consumers, then policymakers must improve it. European drivers should decide which technology is best suited to their needs based on accurate information on what vehicles are emitting and consuming.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Improved productivity and advanced technology benefits ITS
    December 13, 2012
    John Horsley will hang up his hat as executive director of AASHTO in February 2013. After 14 years at the helm, he will bow out convinced of the current and future benefits of ITS for US transportation. Alot of exciting career opportunities still await young engineers in US transportation, says John Horsley, outgoing executive director of AASHTO – the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials. Horsley will be dedicating more of his time to matters of ITS after he stands down in Februa
  • Airborne traffic monitoring - the future?
    March 1, 2013
    A new frontier in the quest to monitor road traffic is opening up… but using airborne drones to reduce the jams comes with some thorny issues. Chris Tindall reports. Imagine if you could rely on a system that provided all the data you needed to regulate traffic flow, route vehicles and respond swiftly to emergencies for a fraction of the cost of piloting a helicopter. That system exists, but as engineers and traffic managers start to explore the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – more commonly k
  • Cooperative infrastructures, cooperative enforcement?
    March 2, 2012
    A dozen years from now, will enforcement still be constrained by the legislative thinking which currently prevails? Or will the needs of the wider transport community bring about some welcome changes?
  • Nearly 54,000 UK learner drivers rack up penalty points
    June 26, 2014
    New research from insurance price comparison website Confused.com has found that there are currently nearly 54,000 learner drivers in the UK who have penalty points on their provisional licence. The findings, obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, reveal that learner drivers are racking up penalty points for motoring offences before officially passing their driving test. According to official figures 53,988 provisional licence holders have valid penalty points on their licence, meaning