Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)

In addition, the Council has reached a political agreement that will make it mandatory for the consumer to be supplied with information concerning fuel consumption and the CO₂ emissions of new cars. The customer can then use the comparable information from different manufacturers and vehicles before making a purchase decision. The aim of this is to influence consumer choice in favour of more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars. The following sources of information would have to be made available to customers:

• Points of sale would have to display information on fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions on

or near each new passenger car model (fuel economy label);

• a poster would provide this same information for all cars on sale at the garage or showroom;
• all promotional literature (advertising) referring to a particular model would have to include

information on fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions;

• Member States would have to ensure that a fuel economy guide is produced, in consultation

with manufacturers, at least on an annual basis and that it is available to consumers free of

charge, including from the dealers. It would provide information on the fuel consumption of all

new passenger car models on sale in that Member State, grouped by makes in alphabetical

order. The guide would have to include a prominent listing of the 10 most fuel-efficient new

car models ranked in order of increasing specific CO₂ emissions for each fuel type. It would

also include an explanation of the effects of carbon dioxide on the climate. Furthermore, it

would offer motorists advice on how to economize on fuel when driving. Dealers would be

under an obligation to make consumers aware of the guide's existence. The Community will

produce a guide at Community level, available on the Internet.

Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx)

Includes Nitric Oxide (NO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) and is produced in exhaust gases as a byproduct of the combustion process. Lean mixtures produce more oxides of nitrogen than rich mixtures as the combustion temperature is increased.

According to the 1997 study, road transport is responsible for over half of all NO₂ emissions. NO₂ causes respiratory illnesses and damage to lung tissue and contributes to acid rain and smog. It also corrodes stone buildings, statues and monuments.

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

Along with sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) and Oxides of Nitrogen, contribute to the formation of 'acid rain'. It is one of the main atmospheric acidifiers and is the main culprit in the gradual errosion of buildings and other monuments of cultural heritage exposed to ambient air.

Soot particles (diesel vehicles)

Tiny particles of carbon are produced which can carry fuel and oil. The start of injection influences the emission of soot particles; if the start of injection is delayed such that there is incomplete combustion, increased levels of soot particles will result. The use of high injection pressures, particularly at low engine speeds can greatly reduce soot emissions and optimum injection direction help to limit black smoke production.

Growing concern has been attracted by the emissions of particulate matter, since it is composed of tiny particles which can linger in the lungs with serious health effects, including cancer.