SMMT defends new diesel vehicles

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, some reports portraying diesel as polluting have failed to differentiate between new and vehicles of the past.

The firm has stated that diesel cars emit, on average, 20 per cent less CO2 than petrol, and as a result, have saved 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 entering the atmosphere since 2002.

However, old polluting vehicles, including diesels, are set to be charged for driving through the central London congestion charge zone in a bid to reduce the amount of air pollution in the capital.

But, the SMMT has said that “contrary to recent reports”, diesel cars are not the main source of urban NOx.

They stated that in London, gas heating of homes and offices is the biggest contributor, responsible for 16 per cent.

While road transport as a whole is responsible for around half of London’s NOx, diesel cars produce just 11 per cent, although concentrations will vary at different times depending on congestion.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Euro 6 diesel cars on sale today are the cleanest in history. Not only have they drastically reduced or banished particulates, sulphur and carbon monoxide but they also emit vastly lower NOx than their older counterparts – a fact recognised by London in their exemption from the Ultra Low Emission Zone that will come into force in 2019. Some recent reports have failed to differentiate between these much cleaner cars and vehicles of the past.

“This is unfair and dismissive of progress made. In addition to their important contribution to improving air quality, diesel cars are also a key part of action to tackle climate change while allowing millions of people, particularly those who regularly travel long distances, to do so as affordably as possible.”