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Could the Volkswagen Cheating Scandal Improve Emissions Standards? (citiesofthefuture.eu)
dkatana writes: An article in Cities of the Future suggests that the "automaker's emissions scandal could end up being a boon if it pushes governments and the industry to reassess diesel's impact more honestly and move away from it altogether." The article also asks the European Union to accelerate the introduction of new emissions standards, currently slated to take effect in September 2018, and to order mandatory recalls for all the vehicles affected, as Germany has. It points out that some drivers could refuse to have their cars "fixed" out of fear that the diesel engine will lose gas efficiency and power output.
Of course, emission TESTING standards might get improved in ways that can catch cheaters faster...
"File to fit, pound to insert, paint to match" - Aircraft Maintenance 101
To be honest, diesel is dirtier than gasoline no matter how you slice it. It's just really hard to keep diesel emissions down and we've not been pushing the technology to do so as hard as gasoline engines. European governments have pushed diesel use in the past though favorable treatment in tax codes, not necessarily trying to get more diesel cars, but more to permute diesel's use as a transportation fuel.
I think the article writer is engaged in some wishful thinking though and you are correct that the author is certainly biased. But I also see where it could be read as advocating for regulatory changes which seem long over due in Europe. It's an opinion piece, not a news report....
"File to fit, pound to insert, paint to match" - Aircraft Maintenance 101
Pretty much ban the infernal combustion engine, logical and sound decision. Should have happened decades ago. Think that shit is safe, park in your garage with the engine running and see how long you last. Does any ever have the right to pollute the air someone else breathes.
Chaos - everything, everywhere, everywhen