On 28 October, European countries reached a compromise deal on new testing rules for car emissions. The agreement significantly weakened a proposal from the European Commission to cap vehicle nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx), due to demands from member states, especially Germany, France and the UK, to protect the car industry.

Jacob Bangsgaard, Director General, FIA Region I said: “European citizens suffer when EU member states agree to weak standards for vehicle emissions. The public will be punished due to this agreement. Stricter emissions limits and faster implementation would challenge the industry to improve the vehicles on the market.”

The European Commission proposed that a real-world emissions test should begin next year with a two-year phase-in before reaching full effect. Instead, the resulting compromise allows for a “conformity factor” of 2.1 which will begin in late 2017. This means that cars are allowed to emit more than twice the official limit. Two years later, it would fall to 1.5, meaning vehicles would be permitted to emit NOx up to 50% above legal limits into 2019.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

About FIA Region I
The FIA Region I office, based in Brussels, is a consumer body representing 111 Motoring and Touring 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