SMMT launches consumer campaign to champion new diesel engines and low emission technology
Date:
11 March 2015
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Author:
BMW is one of the manufacturers championing diesel technology
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) will today launch a nationwide consumer campaign to champion the latest low-emission car technology and challenge the increasing demonisation of diesel.
A Diesel Facts myth-busting guide will be available at
dieselfacts.co.uk and in leaflet form via carmakers and dealers across the UK. It is hoped the new campaign will raise the profile of Euro 6 diesel technology with the average consumer.
It comes as new consumer research reveals widespread confusion about diesel technology that, if uncorrected, the SMMT believes could limit adoption of the latest low emission vehicles and undermine the UK's efforts to meet strict air quality and climate change obligations.
Responding to a YouGov poll, 87% of UK adults said they were are unaware of the latest Euro 6 vehicle emission technology, while 54% incorrectly blamed cars and commercial vehicles as the biggest cause of air pollution in the UK.
Just under one in five (19%) of people surveyed correctly identified power stations as the biggest contributors of nitrogen oxides (NOx).
The SMMT is partnering with BMW UK, Ford of Britain, Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen to make a unified stand and put the record straight on diesel cars.
The SMMT will also urge policy makers and those considering imposing local measures to avoid confusing motorists by penalising one fuel technology over another.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said:"Today's diesel engines are the cleanest ever, and the culmination of billions of pounds of investment by manufacturers to improve air quality.
"Bans and parking taxes on diesel vehicles therefore make no sense from an environmental point of view.
"We need to avoid penalising one vehicle technology over another and instead encourage the uptake of the latest low emission vehicles by consumers. The allegations against diesel cars made in recent months threaten to misguide policy making and undermine public confidence in diesel. It's time to put the record straight."
From 1 September 2015, all new cars must meet the new Euro 6 emissions standard.
Almost nine out of 10 people surveyed (87%), however, confirmed they have never heard of Euro 6.
This is of particular concern given the recent decisions by some local authorities in London, like Islington, to charge diesel-owning residents more to park outside their homes.
The SMMT is calling for policy makers to adopt a consistent technology-neutral approach towards vehicle incentives and penalties to encourage the uptake of the latest technologies and maximise the benefits for air quality.
The SMMT said criticisms that vehicles fail to deliver real world improvements compared to 'controlled test cycle conditions' are also being addressed, with the Euro 6 standard to include 'real world' driving emission testing for the first time.
A statement from the organisation said: "Changes to the test will give confidence to consumers and regulators alike that these new vehicles are delivering benefits on the road."
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