ENVIRONMENT : NEW EMISSION STANDARDS FOR HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES.

The new emission standards (Euro 6) for heavy duty vehicles have entered into force. This legislative provision(1), which became effective on 31 December 2012, forces manufacturers of heavy duty vehicles to put in place techniques guaranteeing an effective limitation of nitrogen oxide emissions (80% reduction) and of particulate matter (66% reduction). The regulation also introduces global harmonised test procedures and standards.

To speed up the marketing of vehicles with the standards laid out by the new regulation, member states have the possibility of granting financial incentives until 31 December 2013. These incentives apply to all new vehicles put on the market of the member state concerned. Measures issued retroactively are also an option either for adapting motor vehicles already on the road or for scrappage.

The sum of these financial incentives is equivalent to the extra cost of technical instruments...