Dutch government insists on changes to Euro-5 trucks
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
CM COVER STORY
1HE GOVERNMENT in the Netherlands has insisted it is right to campaign for a change to SCR-equipped Euro-5 trucks that could make them less fuel efficient as a result.
The Dutch action has been prompted by a study in the Netherlands revealing that NOx emissions front Euro-5 vehicles on urban operations were only marginally better than Euro-3 vehicles, despite theoretically being 60% lower.
As a result, the Dutch are calling for urgent action to tackle the issue, which they blame on the truck manufacturers and "inadequate engine calibration software".
A Dutch diplomat. speaking on condition of anonymity. says: "We really do think it's an issue. If, somehow, the reality differs from the theory. there's a problem there.
If you base emissions on what people tell you to expect and then you find that's not correct lyou have to act].
"We have to deal with the truck manufacturers that test these things."
The issue was raised in the European Council on 15 March, although it is not known whether or not the European Commission will now act. If it was to insist on changes to Euro-5 vehicles, then it would require agreement from all EU members. However, the proposed Dutch action to alter calibration software in new and existing Euro-5 trucks would result in them becoming less fuel efficient. The Netherlands also wants the EU to take the study into account when the levels and testing requirements are set for Euro-6.
However, the truckmakers see this as less of a challenge. DAF spokesman Tony Pain adds: If the rules change for Euro-6, including the duty cycle for approval, the manufacturers will do whatever they have to in order to meet the new targets. Whatever the outcome tat Euro-6], there's no impact on operators."