A UK Government investigation into the emissions levels of new cars has concluded that only Volkswagen used a ?defeat? device? to falsify emissions tests.
The study, conducted in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, also concluded to little surprise that all 37 models tested had higher nitrogen oxide levels in real-world motoring than recorded in laboratory tests.
?Our tests have not detected evidence of test cycle manipulation strategies as used by the Volkswagen Group,? the Government report stated.
?However, tests have found higher levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in test track and real world driving conditions than in the laboratory for all manufacturer?s vehicles, with results varying significantly between different makes and models.? In subsequent discussions with manufacturers the Government testers were told that the emissions control strategy for NOx is less effective at lower temperatures in order to ensure durability and protect the engine from damage. Manufacturers also stated that the unrepresentative nature of the current laboratory type approval test, the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) would have contributed to the distortion compared to published test figures.
The report states that further improvements to regulations are necessary to avoid future uncertainties in emissions testing and adds that manufacturers need to work hard to quickly improve the emissions performance of their vehicles ahead of new European regulations soon to be introd...