New emission norms in EU

Please refer to http://wheels.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2658607.cms

Looks like going ahead the focus would be:

  1. Reducing engine size (and challenge would be to maintain same performance levels)

  2. Improving fuel burning so that emissions are lesser

The article also mentions that most of the German automakers (known for making bigger and little less emission sensitive cars) would be the ones seriously affected by these new laws. I am sure then we would definitely see a change in strategy by many carmakers. As it is Europe is turning out to be the market to succeed in (with the ongoing market slump in the US) and if the regulating body in Indi follows suit then we might just see the emergence of hybrid and more importantly electric vehicles as a viable option for travel.

This discussion is in the context of pollution due to automobiles. And i say so because my last 2 visits to Delhi were on different sides of implementation of CNG public vehicles only and i could see the difference in pollution levels. Especially around the ITO area. So looks like interesting times are ahead and i am sure the Auto Expo would be a good place to discuss emission norms for the Indian Auto Industry. Anyone attending the Expo is listening?

Regards,

Bhushan

Really a great move. In any case, what I think about technology evolution is the same. Reduce resources, improve performance. Contemporary cars with new technologies are much better performing than those launched a decade ago, despite of the fact that those cars of yore had much bigger engines.

As far as Indian scenario is concerned, I don't think Govt. is going to make much difference. But introduction of more LPG/CNG/Hybrid/Electric cars will make difference. Also consumers' attitude towards environment will make a difference.



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This may be a little out of place, but I would like to mention here that some time ago I had come across a news that said that in a couple of years or so the cars in India will come with mileage tags, and that, the Government is going to make this mandatory (it's already there in some countries).


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Yes, true. But I am afraid OEMs will figure out some work around to the problem and might mention conditions like standard test conditions, ideal conditions etc!



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Sharmaji,

As you rightly said, consumers attitude needs to change. Currently if given a choice between EuroII vs EuroIII compliant vehicle, if i am not educated on this area would definitely go for the EuroII version of a new car.

Matter of fact everyday we see vehicle which are in gross viloation of the emission rules. And instead of cancelling the registration of the vehicle (or the DL of the driver) we have a system which puts a fine for the same. So which means it's okay to have a polluting vehicle as long as i am paying fine for the same (that too if caught).

Bhushan

Infact i just visited the Diamler Benz website where they talk about the 'BlueTec' technology which has been introduced by them last year. The very fact that auto makers there appreciated the implications of emission hazards and have a strategy ready even before the emission norms come to be enforced speaks of their tech savviness.

It seems this technology has the Nitrous oxides produced by the fuel combustion converted to water by the usage of a NOX filter. (http://www.mercedes-benz.com/content/mbcom/international/international_website/en/com/Brandworld_Home.html).

Maybe they did because they did not want to lose out on the market or for whatever reason. Atleast they are prepared with the solutions. I think even in India home grown companies like TATA, M&M are doing their bit. It just needs to pick momentum.

Bhushan

Recently in one of the auto mags (i guess Business Standard Motoring) there was an article where it was mentioned how people in the US became more sensitive to car mileage only when the fuel prices more than doubled recently. Not that we pay less for fuel in India but it's just that, in my opinion, emissions have to do  with 2 things:
  1. Fuel as well as emission effeciency of a vehicle (Quality fuel usage)
  2. Development of better public transport (Quantity fuel usage)

And ofcourse an increase in price of fuel would only force less fuel to be consumed due to budget constraints and emission standards would force the better car to be manufactured & bought.

Bhusan, your posts are meaningful & informative. Thanks & keep it up.


Honesty is not a Spare Wheel that you pull out when in trouble. It's a Steering Wheel that keeps you on the right path throughout the life's journey.

Prasadji,

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I just wanted of share my thoughts and i am really excited that you found my posts meaningful. I just hope whatever i have to share eventually adds value into the decision someone takes while buying / using a car.

Best Regards,

Bhushan

Yes, very true.  By the way, please address me Pankaj (or Prasad) - no ji & all that (that makes me feel old). Thanks.


Honesty is not a Spare Wheel that you pull out when in trouble. It's a Steering Wheel that keeps you on the right path throughout the life's journey.