On 3 February, the European Parliament voted to approve legislation to measure Real Driving Emissions (RDE). 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% 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 dieselgate scandal. Consumers are now painfully aware of the deficiencies of the current testing regime. FIA Region I calls for swift implementation of this complementary approach to restore consumer and decision-maker trust.

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. 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.”

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Notes to editors

About FIA Region I
The FIA Region I office, based in Brussels, is a consumer body representing 112 Mobility Clubs and their 38 million members from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The FIA represents the interest of these members as motorists, public transport users, pedestrians and tourists. The FIA’s primary goal is to secure a mobility that is safe, affordable, sustainable and efficient. With these aims in mind, the FIA Region I work focuses on Road Safety, Consumer Protection, Environmental Protection, and the promotion of Sustainable Motoring. www.fiaregion1.com