Diesel cars could still have a place in achieving air quality targets, according to new data.
The research found that the majority of the latest diesel cars were achieving emissions targets that will not be legally binding until 2020.
New data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) found that 270 new diesel models introduced across Europe “performed well bowl” nitrogen oxide (NOx) limited under the new real driving emissions test (RDE).
Under the test, key pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and particulates, which can be carcinogenic, are all measured while the car is driven on public roads in various different conditions.
Secretary general of ACEA, Erik Jonnaert claimed that the latest diesel cars will “play a strong role” in cities and towns achieving these goals.
Significantly cleaner
Jonnaert said that if motorists started buying diesel cars again then it would actually help towns and cities meet their emissions targets.
He said: “These new findings prove that modern diesel cars, supported by fleet renewal policies and combined with alternative powertrains, will play a strong role in helping cities move towards compliance with air quality targets.
“In parallel, diesel vehicles will continue to remain important for reducing CO2 emissions in the short and medium term, even though all manufacturers are expanding their offer of electrically-chargeable cars.”
“Auto makers have made major investments to quickly deliver these massive reductions in NOx emissions.
“Stop demonising diesel”
“It is important that we stop demonising diesel technology as a whole. Instead, we need to differentiate between the old diesel fleet and the latest generation of vehicles.”
However, latest vehicle manufacturer data shows that sales of new diesel cars have tumbled by more than a fifth in October and significantly year on year.
Volvo announced that it would not be introducing more new diesel cars post it’s V60 launch and Subaru, Suzuki and Porsche have also declared that it has ditched diesel due to a lack of demand.
Do you think diesel still has a place and believe it’s being unfairly demonised or do you support calls to ban diesels from our cities? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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