SAM focuses on emissions testing gap

Research into the discrepancy between real-world and tested vehicle emissions is one of four topics identified as a scientific priority by the Scientific Advisory Mechanism.

A 78-page opinion document is the first output from the SAM group, established in 2015 to fill a gap in scientific advice after the EU chief scientific adviser post was not continued. It takes a look at the issue of CO2 emissions standards for light-duty vehicles: a political hot-potato following revelations that car manufacturers including Volkswagen were employing defeat devices to cheat testing procedures.  

The European Commission has already said it will review its testing standards in 2017, and come up with a new proposal for regulation. In light of its scientific review, the SAM group said it supports this plan: stating that strengthened regulation is needed to “grow the trust of the consumer in the regulatory system and the car industry”.