UK cars ’emit more NOx in real world than in labs’

Cars in the UK emit more Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) in normal driving conditions than when tested in laboratories. That’s the findings of a research into emissions levels from leading diesel car models […]

Cars in the UK emit more Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) in normal driving conditions than when tested in laboratories.

That’s the findings of a research into emissions levels from leading diesel car models by the Department of Transport (DfT) alongside an investigation by the German Ministry for Transport following the Volkswagen scandal.

Last year, the car manufacturer admitted falsifying emission tests in their diesel cars.

It found not a single car among the 37 models that were tested during a six-month period met EU lab limits in real world conditions.

However the DfT added it did not find any evidence of emission tests manipulation strategies as used by Volkswagen.

Its report stated: “We discussed the results with manufacturers in order to understand better their emissions control systems. We were told by manufacturers that the emissions control strategy for NOx is less effective at lower temperatures in order to ensure durability and protect the engine from damage.

“It is clear from our investigation that further improvements to European regulations will help avoid any uncertainty in how the systems are allowed to operate in the future.”

The government is urging manufacturers to introduce new technologies to reduce emissions “sooner than the new EU regulations require”.

Earlier this week, Mitsubishi admitted falsifying fuel efficiency tests in Japan while the US Department of Justice has asked the owner of Mercedes-Benz to investigate its emissions testing process.

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