In the wake of the Volkswagen revelations, the European Commission
said on January 26 it is publishing guidance to help EU Member States
evaluate if car manufacturers use defeat devices or other strategies
that lead to higher vehicle emissions outside of the test cycle and
analyse whether they are technically justified.
"National investigations into the emissions scandal are revealing
that a large number of car manufacturers use strategies that increase
emissions outside of the test cycle,” European Commissioner for Internal
Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
Elżbieta Bieńkowska said.
"This is illegal unless technically justified in exceptional cases,
and the burden of proof lies with the carmaker. Cheating cannot be
tolerated. Today we are offering guidance to Member States on how to
enforce the law better,” the Commissioner added.
The Commission reminded that defeat devices are clearly banned by EU
law but there is an exemption for when the need for the device is
justified to protect the engine against damage or accident and to ensure
the safe operation of the vehicle. The guidance will enable the Member
States to take a position on the legality of the emission strategies
revealed by car manufacturers during their national investigations,
initiated at the Commission’s request in the wake of the Volkswagen
revelations, the EU’s executive arm said.
The Commission noted that it has taken important steps to improve the
measurement of vehicle emissions with tests in real driving conditions,
which will also reduce the possibility of cheating. A year ago, the
Commission tabled a proposal to introduce more quality and independence
in vehicle testing and more European oversight – this proposal is now
pending adoption by the European Parliament and Council, it said.
https://www.neweurope.eu/article/eu-make-difficult-carmakers-cheat-emissions/