EU Knew in 2012 that Carmakers Were “Gaming” Emission Tests
European Commission regulators were aware four years ago that carmakers were using a testing loophole to manipulate diesel emissions, the Financial Times reports.
#regulations
European Commission regulators were aware four years ago that carmakers were using a testing loophole to manipulate diesel emissions, the Financial Times reports.
The newspaper cites an email by a scientist at the EC’s Joint Research Center in Italy. The message says nitrogen oxides emissions from an unnamed car increased sharply when the car was started at temperatures below 20°C or above 30°C. The engine’s NOx emission controls were “fully activated only in a very specific window,” thereby evading the spirit of the regulations.
The EC confirms the accurate of the message. But it tells FT the disclosure doesn’t prove cheating because “gaming” the test procedure isn’t a legally defined term.
The disclosure has prompted criticism that the practice was ignored by European regulators. The manipulations came to general attention only when it was discovered a year ago in the U.S., a minor market for diesels.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Choosing the Right Fasteners for Automotive
PennEngineering makes hundreds of different fasteners for the automotive industry with standard and custom products as well as automated assembly solutions. Discover how they’re used and how to select the right one. (Sponsored Content)
-
TRW Multi-Axis Acceleration Sensors Developed
Admittedly, this appears to be nothing more than a plastic molded part with an inserted bolt-shaped metal component.
-
Robotic Exoskeleton Amplifies Human Strength
The Sarcos Guardian XO Max full-body, all-electric exoskeleton features strength amplification of up to 20 to 1, making 200 pounds—the suit’s upper limit—feel like 10 pounds for the user.