Euro 6 Diesels - the cleanest and safest ever

Thanks to billions of pounds of investment by the motor industry, the latest Euro 6 diesels are the cleanest and safest ever, so it's good news that more people can now take advantage of them as they start to filter into the used car market (Used Euro6 Cars at Trident Honda). These models will not face charges anywhere in Britain under the government's Clean Air Zone proposals.

In recent months, older diesel cars have come under scrutiny from the UK Government and the press for the level of harmful emissions that they produce. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) are campaigning to ensure that the differences between the varying compliance standards of used diesels are clear. This will help to ensure that customers are better informed about which cars comply with the latest emissions standards, and are therefore cleaner than their predecessors.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

Euro 6 diesel cars on sale today are the cleanest in history. Not only have they drastically reduced or banished particulates, sulphur and carbon monoxide but they also emit vastly lower NOx than their older counterparts - a fact recognised by London in their exemption from the Ultra Low Emission Zone that will come into force in 2019. Some recent reports have failed to differentiate between these much cleaner cars and vehicles of the past.

This is unfair and dismissive of progress made. In addition to their important contribution to improving air quality, diesel cars are also a key part of action to tackle climate change while allowing millions of people, particularly those who regularly travel long distances, to do so as affordably as possible.

Honda (UK) is in full support of the objectives of the SMMT to raise awareness and differentiate between older diesel models and the newer, cleaner models. With all current diesel Hondas being Euro 6 compliant, no new diesel Honda customer will be penalised for their choice of powertrain. We are confident that for many customers, diesel remains the best proposition.

Driving down emissions: air quality and the motor industry

How diesel emission regulations have evolved

Euro emissions standards for diesel cars: