European Carmakers Say New Emission Tests Will Disrupt Production
Several European carmakers are complaining that meeting Europe’s new emission test procedures will disrupt production and hurt profits.
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Several European carmakers are complaining that meeting Europe’s new emission test procedures will disrupt production and hurt profits.
The companies grouse that the real-world emission testing that will be phased in beginning in September may add weeks to the certification process required to enable their cars to be sold. BMW AG says it will suspend production in May of several flagship 7 Series models and X Series crossover vehicles to
The new rules were implemented in the wake of revelations that EU vehicles are often significantly less fuel efficient and more polluting on the road than they are in lab-based tests. The new testing protocol, called the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), replaces the former New European Driving Cycle.
BMW, Renault and Volkswagen all have cautioned that uncertainty about the time required to approve vehicles under WLTP could affect production between September and April 2019. They also say the new standards could raise vehicle prices by requiring new emission control technologies.
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