Motor industry launches campaign to counter negative diesel claims
Wed 11 March 2015
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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the CEOs of BMW UK, Ford of Britain, Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen have joined forces to challenge what they describe as 'the demonisation of diesel’ at an event in London.
The campaign aims to highlight the improvements in locally polluting emissions from the introduction of the new Euro-6 standards. This new regulated standard, applicable across Europe, will come into force in September and limits nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from new diesel cars to 80mg/km in order to reduce air pollution levels that breach health regulations, down 84% from the permitted maximum of 2001.
Diesel cars have come in for increasing criticism in the last year due to peceptions regarding high levels of NOx and small particulates, with studies reporting that diesel cars’ emissions can have serious impacts on the health of people exposed to them.
Mike Hawes, SMMT's Chief Executive, said: “Today’s diesel engines are the cleanest ever, and the culmination of billions of pounds of investment by manufacturers to improve air quality ... The allegations against diesel cars made in recent months threaten to misguide policy making and undermine public confidence in diesel. It’s time to put the record straight.”
In an effort to counteract negative claims about modern diesels the SMMT has launched a new ‘diesel facts’ website to inform consumers about the latest technology.
The Society reports that almost 900,000 diesel engines worth £2.8bn will be built in the UK this year, with 85% destined for export.
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