Transport secretary pushing for European action on car emissions tests

In the wake of the VW scandal, UK Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin is said to be pushing for European level action on car emissions tests. According to BBC News, he said: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have been pushing for action at a European level for more accurate tests that reflect driving on the road. It’s vital that the public has confidence in vehicle emissions tests and I am calling for the European Commission to investigate this issue as a matter of urgency.”

In an earlier statement, a DfT spokesperson said: “All cars on UK roads must adhere to Europe-wide regulations on emissions. Any car found to be noncompliant can be recalled and taken off the market.”

This would clearly be a very expensive outcome for VW, if indeed it was to happen. What we don’t know is if there be any knock-on effect on tyres. No one is suggesting any link with the uncovered dishonesty in the VW case, but owing to tyres’ impact on fuel consumption and therefore emissions there could now be growing pressure on tyre manufacturers to help OEMs achieve and maintain emissions levels. Secondly, the debacle could cause renewed attention on the tyre sector’s own testing regime, especially with regard to European tyre labelling.