French study confirms NOx discrepancies

The French Ministry of Environment finally published the data of the Utac study it commissioned to investigate whether carmakers use cheating devices and to establish any discrepancies between lab- measured emissions and actual emissions on a test track, following the same NEDC.

Apart from BMW and PSA, all models showed considerable differences between official emissions and real-life emissions. Depending on emission treatment technologies and calibrating methods, the gap between various models is considerable, even though they were type-approved using the same procedure.

The Euro 6 Nissan Qashqai and Renault Captur, both with EGR system and NOx trap, were found to exceed the 80 mg/km limit flagrantly. The French study also points a finger at the Ford Kuga, Opel Zafira and Mercedes S 350, in spite of their AdBlue (SCR) system. Only the Peugeot 208 and BMW 318d escape unscathed from the Utac investigation.

Contrary to Germany, France has not asked the affected carmakers to proceed to a recall operation to have the engines modified. Renault has announced it will improve the NOx levels of its Euro 6 engines starting from July production. Customers already driving a Euro 6 Renault can make an appointment at the dealer’s on a voluntary basis to have the engine adapted.