In response to growing general public concern over diesel, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has released a statement that comes out strongly in defence of diesel engine vehicles.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Commercial vehicles play an essential but often overlooked role in keeping Britain functioning, performing jobs and transporting vital goods and services that we all rely on every day. This sector has never been so important to the UK economy – and to British jobs – and diesel’s role in powering these vital vehicles should not be downplayed.

“Nearly all our commercial vehicles are driven by diesel, and thanks to heavy investment by industry to develop world-leading low emission technology, the latest Euro VI CVs on our roads today are the cleanest and safest ever.”

The SMMT has pointed out that the UK now has the biggest online retail sector in the EU. Consumers here spent £67.4 billion worth of goods and services online in 2016. Because of this commercial vehicles (the majority of them diesel) transported an estimated 1.52 billion tonnes of goods in the UK in 2015.

Hawes continued, “The development of the latest low emission technology has resulted in Euro VI vehicles that have virtually eliminated particulates, while on-road tests of the latest heavy commercials show a 95 per cent reduction in NOx over their older Euro V counterparts. These modern, low-emission vehicles play a critical part in improving air quality.”

Commercial vehicle EVs and plug in hybrids (PHEVs) are only just coming onto the market but demands are very loud for changes to happen more quickly. This is something to watch in the coming months.

 
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