New Year’s resolution: less pollution from buses and trucks
Thanks to new European legislation (called the Euro VI norm), effective from 31 December 2012, nitrogen oxides and dust emitted from new types of trucks and buses will be lowered. It means a reduction of 80% in emissions of nitrogen oxides and 66% in particulate matters. In addition to the health and environment, the new legislation will also have a positive impact on industry: the legislation introduces world-wide harmonised test procedures and standards which should help boost European automotive industry exports. In addition, EU automotive legislation is now simpler and becomes effective more quickly – directly applicable regulations have replaced directives, thus eliminating the time required for their transposition into 27 different national legislations. European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: "Today’s emission reduction will help clean up the air we breathe and improve the competitiveness of Europe’s automobile industry. As agreed in our recently adopted Cars Action plan we are creating a win-win situation: we will have cleaner trucks and buses, which will be trendsetters and exportable worldwide." Source: European Commission