Last week saw the Commission’s regulatory committee (TCMV) meet with member states and, according to reports, it has already come up with some elements needed for legislation on real driving emissions (RDE).

In response, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) warned of the effects of not introducing a robust and realistic RDE package.

The ACEA said that it supports an RDE package that will address the key environmental issues under a two-step approach, as already agreed by the member states, and added that it fully understands the need for Step 1 of RDE to commence from September 2017 for new vehicle types, and “has always been committed to this”.

But it warned of the need for a “timeline and testing conditions that take into account the technical and economic realities of today's markets, allowing for reasonable transition time to apply RDE to all new vehicles”.

“We are fully aligned with the need to better measure the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from diesel cars and vans under normal driving conditions,” said Erik Jonnaert, ACEA secretary general. “However, it is important to proceed in a way which allows manufacturers to plan and implement the necessary changes, without jeopardising the role of diesel as one of the key pillars for fulfilling future CO2 targets.”

It added that without realistic timeframes and conditions, some diesel models, including LCVs, could effectively become unaffordable, forcing manufacturers to withdraw them from sale.

“Our industry is committed to contributing constructively to the efforts of the Commission and member states to upgrade emissions testing,” explained Mr Jonnaert.

“Clarity and predictability will enable manufacturers to continue investing in technologies that meet even higher standards and contribute to the fight against climate change.”