New Clean Diesel Cars See a Future in Paris; Statement on the New Energy Transition Law

WASHINGTON - February 10, 2015: The Diesel Technology Forum issued the following statement today on the adoption of the energy transition law by Le Conseil de Paris in France.

"This week, government leaders in Paris have taken bold and decisive action to encourage a future transition to newer and cleaner technology - and that includes clean diesel," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the non-profit Diesel Technology Forum (Diesel Forum).

"We are encouraged that the plan has been modified to take a more sensible approach that recognizes the advancements that have occurred in clean diesel technology over time and the incredible popularity of diesel in France. The new generation of clean diesel technology will help the City of Paris, as well as all of France, meet its near term goals on improving air quality while maintaining progress to lower greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2)."

Schaeffer noted that diesel engines today are extremely popular in France and throughout Europe because of their economical and efficient operation, durability and driving performance, and favorable fuel prices for diesel over petrol. Diesel cars accounted for 64 percent of vehicle registrations in France as of the end of 2013, according to the French Car Manufacturers association CCFA. According to Dieseliste de France (Dieselliste de France), nearly half of all cars on the road today in France are among the newer generation of cleaner diesel technology.

The energy transition plan sets forth a timetable to prohibit older commercial and service vehicles from operating in Paris starting as soon as July 2015. Passenger cars are also affected beginning in July 2016, including both diesels and petrol vehicles. By 2017-2020, diesel cars made prior to 2011 would also be prohibited.

The new generation of clean diesel cars achieves near-zero emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter by utilizing the most advanced engine technology, new emissions control systems including particulate filters, and selective catalytic reduction systems to achieve near zero levels of emissions, Schaeffer said.