The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is to launch a UK nationwide consumer campaign to “raise awareness about the latest low-emission car technology and challenge the increasing demonisation of diesel”.
The trade association will make a “diesel facts myth-busting guide” available at dieselfacts.co.uk and in leaflet form via car makers and dealers.
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SMMT says the campaign comes as new consumer research reveals widespread confusion about diesel technology that, if uncorrected, could limit adoption of the latest low emission vehicles and undermine the UK’s efforts to meet strict air quality and climate change obligations.
A recent YouGov poll has found that 87% of UK adults are unaware of the latest Euro-6 vehicle emission technology, while 54% incorrectly blamed cars and commercial vehicles as the biggest cause of air pollution in the UK. Just under one in five (19%) of people surveyed correctly identified power stations as the biggest contributors of nitrogen oxides (NOx). In fact, it would take 42 million Euro-6 diesel cars (almost four times the number on the roads) to generate the same amount of NOx as one UK coal-fired power station, SMMT says.
The SMMT says that it will stand together with some of the biggest car makers in Britain including BMW UK, Ford of Britain, Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen to “put the record straight on diesel”. The SMMT will also urge policy makers and those considering imposing local measures to avoid confusing motorists by penalising one fuel technology over another.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Today’s diesel engines are the cleanest ever, and the culmination of billions of pounds of investment by manufacturers to improve air quality. Bans and parking taxes on diesel vehicles therefore make no sense from an environmental point of view. We need to avoid penalising one vehicle technology over another and instead encourage the uptake of the latest low emission vehicles by consumers. The allegations against diesel cars made in recent months threaten to misguide policy making and undermine public confidence in diesel. It’s time to put the record straight.”
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By GlobalDataInterviewed on BBC radio this morning, Hawes stressed the huge progress made by the automotive industry to effectively devise technical solutions to deal with pollutants, including the particulates emitted by diesel engines. As emissions regulations tighten further in the future, he said that the industry would continue to make progress to reduce harmful emissions.
