![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
. | ![]() |
. |
![]() by Daniel J. Graeber Washington (UPI) Aug 31, 2017
Starting Friday, all new car models in the European Union need to pass emissions tests in real driving conditions before they hit the road, commissioners said. The European Commission invited member states to examine emission issues after Volkswagen in 2015 was found to have used software to get around some pollution standards. In response, the commission introduced stricter and more accurate tests for nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions, many of which are responsible for smog and acid rain. The new tests, which include real-driving conditions, are mandatory starting Friday for all new car models. "The [Volkswagen] emissions scandal has shown that we need more independence in car testing, stronger market surveillance and the possibility for the commission to intervene in case of wrongdoing," Jyrki Katainen, the European vice president for jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness, said in a statement. "The new emissions tests are a milestone in our ongoing work for cleaner and more sustainable cars over the coming years." Swedish automotive company Scania and the HAVI transportation group said this week they were coordinating with the McDonald's restaurant chain in several European countries to reduce their carbon footprint. HAVI through the partnership said it would switch about 70 percent of its fleet to run on alternative fuels like gas-electric hybrids. For deliveries to McDonald's, HAVI added it would monitor its emissions of carbon dioxide continuously and in real time. The transportation sector accounts for more than half of the energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas. In addition to new testing, the European Commission said it was focusing on encouraging the deployment of low-emission vehicles and the electrification of rail transport. "A quick shift to zero emissions vehicles is in all our interest given the public health and environmental risks at stake," Elżbieta Bieńkowska, a commissioner in charge for market entrepreneurship, said in a statement. "And it's crucial for the car industry if it wants to remain internationally competitive."
![]() Worcester MA (SPX) Aug 29, 2017 While cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells offer clear advantages over the electric vehicles that are growing in popularity (including their longer range, their lower overall environmental impact, and the fact that they can be refueled in minutes, versus hours of charging time), they have yet to take off with consumers. One reason is the high cost and complexity of producing, distributing, and st ... read more Related Links Car Technology at SpaceMart.com
![]()
![]() |
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |