Call to end diesel demonisation

19 March 2015  

The SMMT has launched a new consumer campaign to end what it calls the ‘demonisation of diesel’ as a fuel for vehicles.

The body has launched a new website, dieselfacts.co.uk, as well as a leaflet via vehicle manufacturers and dealers, in an effort to inform the public about the benefits of the fuel while dispelling the myths that have been created along the way. . It comes as new consumer research reveals widespread confusion about diesel technology that, if uncorrected, could limit adoption of the latest low emission vehicles and undermine the UK’s efforts to meet strict air quality and climate change obligations.

Research company Emissions Analytics is also providing evidence to the debate. Extensive tests conducted to date show that the newer, Euro 6 diesel engines exhibit marked improvements when it comes to the production of emissions harmful to health.

With over 350 diesel vehicles analysed so far, Emissions Analytics’ data shows the earliest Euro 6 diesels produced levels of NOx significantly above the legislated limits. As reported in the International Council on Clean Transportation’s 2014 report, to which Emissions Analytics contributed data, the average was seven times over the limit.

However, many recent Euro 6 diesels show marked improvement, with NOx levels averaging around 2.5 times the legislation limit of 0.08g/km.

Nick Molden, CEO of Emissions Analytics explains: “To claim that all diesels are dirty misrepresents a complex situation. While it is certainly true that older diesel vehicles, including passenger cars, buses, taxis and delivery vehicles are significant contributors to poor air quality, our data shows that, with the introduction of the latest Euro 6 vehicles, the situation is improving. What this shows us is the important role real on-road emissions testing has to play in cleaning up our towns and cities.”