Stricter new CO2 test may cause slump in car sales
A new system to test emissions will bring more accurate measurements, but may also lead to higher taxes and car prices, warns Geraldine Herbert A new emissions test for cars that is providing more accurate carbon dioxide (CO2) ratings may cause car sales to fall. The test, which was introduced last year for new models only will apply to all new cars sold in the EU from September 1 and is designed to deliver more realistic figures for...
We are all test subjects in emissions experiment
The VW emissions scandal took a new twist as allegations of animal testing emerged, writes Geraldine Herbert Volkswagen has apologised for testing the impact of diesel fumes on monkeys and humans. Their chief executive, Matthias Mueller, said the tests were “unethical and repulsive” and promised a full investigation. The New York Times reported that three German car makers, VW, Daimler and BMW had paid for a research group...
Is it time to ditch diesel?
The rise of hybrid and electric cars coupled with tough emissions laws will mark the end of our diesel love affair, writes Geraldine Herbert In 2017, diesel car sales fell by almost 20 per cent in the UK due partly to the threat of additional taxes and bans in cities. Sales in Ireland have declined more slowly and the market share of diesel has moved from 70% of all new cars bought in 2016 to 65% in 2017. Fuel choice has become a...
Is it the end of the road for diesel?
Is it the end of the road for diesel asks Geraldine Herbert? Why is the use of diesel coming under increasing scrutiny? Air pollution is a growing public health problem and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that around three million deaths every year are linked to exposure to outdoor air pollution. Diesel has an impact on air quality is coming in two key ways – through the production of particulate matter (PM) and...
It is time for car makers to clean up their act
Is the solution to inaccurate fuel consumption and emission figures more stringent testing? asks Geraldine Herbert As the latest automotive industry scandal deepens with the Japanese car company Mitsubishi admitting to falsifying fuel consumption data for decades and official research from the UK concluding that none of Britain’s most popular diesel cars meet the legal limits for nitrogen oxide emissions with some up to 14...
