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Volvo Group Representation, EU
Diesel engine emissions

Diesel engine emissions / particulate matter

Issue description
Diesel technology and diesel fuels will be dominant for trucks, buses, construction equipment and industrial engines for many years ahead. Diesel fuels and diesel engines have major advantages in fuel availability and fuel economy all over the world. However, there are disadvantages compared to other engine technologies, such as higher emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Continuous improvement on diesel fuel quality worldwide, engine development and engine maintenance are important factors to reduce emissions. The hazardous emissions have been reduced significantly. There is a wish of further tightening the limits of these emissions already for the Euro V in 2008. The main health related issue discussed concerning diesel technology is the human exposure to small size particulate matter in ambient air and its effect on public health.

Impact on the Volvo Group
Diesel technology provides the foundation for most of the Volvo Group's present main product lines and thereby our business.

Volvo Group's position

  • Volvo aims at reducing the emissions of small diesel particles (mass as well as number) through technological development.
  • Volvo is a world leader in diesel engine technology. Today's diesel process is much more efficient than before. Volvo supports the use of the diesel process with after treatment for particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which is the best overall environmental solution in the short to medium perspective.
  • Volvo is actively working with reducing environmental problems and health risks related to diesel engine exhaust. The development of engines and exhaust control devices must be in parallel to the introduction of cleaner diesel fuels and alternatives. In frastructure planning and research are other areas that are vital for a better urban environment.
  • Volvo believes that political decisions on transport technologies should take the predicted future reduction of emissions into account. The use of material based on todays, or even yesterdays, emission situation may lead to wrong conclusions.
  • Volvo supports that the introduction of stricter limits for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter should be in the Euro VI standards introduced after 2008.