New car emissions test explained in consumer-focused website

Brussels, 25 April 2017 – In September, a more rigorous laboratory test for measuring pollutant and CO2 emissions from cars (WLTP) will come into force. This new test will make some much needed improvements to the way cars are tested, but its introduction is also likely to raise questions among consumers.

With this in mind, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has today launched a new website – WLTPfacts.eu – to explain the benefits of the new test, examine the impact of WLTP on the consumer and present policy recommendations for its proper implementation.

From September 2017, WLTP will officially apply to new types of cars (ie vehicle models that are introduced on the market for the first time). One year later, from September 2018, WLTP will apply to all new car registrations in the EU. WLTP will introduce much more realistic testing conditions, including higher speeds, more representative driving behaviour and stricter measurement conditions, than the current lab test (NEDC). The new test will ensure that lab measurements better reflect the on-road performance of a car.

Through a series of educational infographics, WLTPfacts.eu answers the most common questions about the WLTP test in a clear and simple way. Besides setting out the benefits of WLTP, providing a transition timeline and explaining the differences between the new test and the old NEDC procedure, the website also addresses pressing consumer concerns related to vehicle taxation and fuel consumption.

For many years, the automobile industry has been actively contributing to the development of this new test. Erik Jonnaert, Secretary General of ACEA: “We believe that manufacturers, policy makers and consumers alike need the more robust WLTP test. Moreover, WLTP will also be an essential measure to win back the trust of customers. But this will first of all require a proper implementation.”

Issues that still require the attention of the EU and national governments include consumer information, taxation and a harmonised introduction of WLTP across the European Union. To that end, WLTPfacts.eu also outlines policy recommendations for ensuring a smooth switch to the more accurate lab test.  


Notes for editors

In addition to the website, the ‘Getting ready for WLTP’ leaflet can also be downloaded in PDF format from WLTPfacts.eu.

About ACEA

  • The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) represents the 14 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus makers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Ferrari, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco Group, JLR, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo Group.
  • Visit www.acea.auto for more information about ACEA, and follow us on www.twitter.com/ACEA_auto or www.linkedin.com/company/ACEA/.

Contact:

  • Cara McLaughlin, Communications Director, cm@acea.auto, +32 485 88 66 47.
  • Ben Kennard, Content Editor and Press Manager, bk@acea.auto, +32 487 39 21 82

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About the EU automobile industry

  • 13.0 million Europeans work in the automotive sector
  • 11.5% of all manufacturing jobs in the EU
  • €374.6 billion in tax revenue for European governments
  • €101.9 billion trade surplus for the European Union
  • Over 7% of EU GDP generated by the auto industry
  • €59.1 billion in R&D spending annually, 31% of EU total
Content type Press release
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