An illuminating article in the Financial Times reports the inadequacies of Europe’s current fuel economy and emissions test procedure, developed almost 45 years ago and which bears little relationship to real world driving conditions and technologies. Half the apparent improvement in efficiency since 2007 has only been achieved in tests, not on the road.. Cars produce as much as 30% more CO2 emissions per km on the road compared with manufacturers promises.
The EU is keen to introduce a new World Light Vehicle Test Procedure by 2017, but the car manufacturers are pressing for delay to 2020. The German industry which builds thirsty saloons and SUVs is particularly resistant. However, it usually turns out that meeting new technical standards is lest costing than the industry predicts.