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New Year's resolution:less pollution from buses and trucks
Thanks to new European legislation (called the Euro VI norm), effective
from 31 December 2012, nitrogen oxides and dust emitted from new types of trucks
and buses will be lowered.
It means a reduction of 80% in emissions of nitrogen oxides and 66% in
particulate matters.
In addition to the health and environment, the new legislation will
also have a positive impact on industry:
the legislation introduces world-wide harmonised test procedures and standards
which should help boost European automotive industry exports.
In addition, EU automotive legislation is now simpler and becomes
effective more quickly - directly applicable regulations have replaced
directives, thus eliminating the time required for their transposition into 27
different national legislations.
European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for
Industry and Entrepreneurship, said:
"Today’s emission reduction will help clean up the air we breathe and
improve the competitiveness of Europe's automobile industry.
As agreed in our recently adopted Cars Action plan we are creating a
win-win situation:
we will have cleaner trucks and buses, which will be trendsetters and
exportable worldwide."
Background
The new European law lays down common EU rules for pollutant emissions
from heavy motor vehicles and their engines.
It was developed in line with the principles of Better Regulation and
following recommendations from the High Level Group for Competitive Automotive
Regulatory System for the 21st century (CARS 21) and feedback from a public
consultation.
Benefits of the new norms include:
- a reduction of 80% in nitrogen oxides and 66% in particulate
matter emissions, as compared to 2008 levels under the previous Euro V norms.
- the introduction of global harmonised test procedures and
standards with USA equivalent emission limit values
- a positive cost benefit ratio, as proven by the impact
assessment.