 |
AIR Index vehicle emissions rating system offers first realistic, fully-fledged alternative to official data
04.02.2021: Broad coverage of vehicles offers complete system of ratings for the first time
Alternative to misleading official nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) figures
For use by cities, fleets, consumers and manufa
|
Broad coverage of vehicles offers complete system of ratings for the first time
Alternative to misleading official nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) figures
For use by cities, fleets, consumers and manufacturers
Based on thousands of independent, real-world tests
With coverage of over 90% of model variants in key categories
Available now free of charge at airindex.com

The expanded AIR Index ratings programme creates a near-comprehensive system that can be used by cities, vehicle buyers and car makers for policy solutions to, once and for all, target the dirty cars on the road without penalising clean vehicles.
The AIR Index at airindex.com identifies the cleanest cars across the whole market. Until now, and especially since Dieselgate, there have been many studies and reports about real-world emissions. However, these have typically tested a small selection of vehicles, which made them useful only for broad policy development.
If you were a city looking to implement an effective and fair clean air zone (CAZ), or a car retailer looking for trusted insight to inform customers about the real-world emissions of your vehicles, you had no choice except to use the official labelling system. This official system was made up of the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) tests up until around 2018, followed by the World Harmonised Light-duty Transient Cycle (WLTC) after that.

The former test regime has been discredited as it underestimates real-world NOx, a problem pollutant for urban air quality, by a factor of 4-5, and real-world CO2, the global warming gas, by around 40%, based on research by the AIR Alliance. The WLTC remains a laboratory test with a cycle unrepresentative of the range of real-world driving, despite having smaller discrepancies.
With the launch of this expanded AIR Index programme, cities, retailers and fleet managers now have an alternative. Thanks to the coverage of over 90% of model variants in the key segments, the AIR Index can help make clean air zones and other incentive schemes to work more effectively.
It allows the razor-sharp targeting of older, dirtier vehicles, while exempting those that are cleaner. For clarity, models launched since the introduction of the new Real Driving Emissions (RDE) on-road test have all tested clean – and these are not the source of urban air quality problems.
The expanded AIR Index will allow the NOx-related air quality problem to be solved in the quickest and easiest way for cities, with the minimum impact necessary on car owners and fleets.
The AIR Alliance rates vehicles for NOx and CO2 separately, on scales from A to E. The Greater London Authority will be using the AIR Index to power its Cleaner Vehicle Checker, which can be found at: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/pollution-and-air-quality/cleaning-londons-vehicles/cleaner-vehicle-checker. This works in conjunction with the Ultra Low Emissions Zone to inform and incentivise car drivers and buyers.
This expanded service from the AIR Alliance is based upon a recognised, European legal standardisation methodology in the form of CWA17379, published in January 2019, which was the product of CEN Workshop 90. At the heart of the ratings are vehicles that have been tested in full compliance with this methodology.
These results are complemented by predicted ratings for most of the rest of the market using a ground-breaking artificial intelligence model that is trained on a large volume of real-world data. These data are from thousands of vehicles that have been tested in carefully controlled conditions on the public highway in the UK and mainland Europe.
The impact of over-emitting diesel-powered passenger cars and vans remains the prime focus for policy makers to improve urban air quality. This is particularly relevant for Euro 5 and pre-RDE Euro 6 diesel vehicles which cover a period from around 2010 until the introduction of RDE around 2018, although not all cause problems by exceeding NOx limits. These models are problematic because there are large numbers of them on the road and they are relatively young, so will remain in the road for many years. Of this generation of models, the expanded AIR Index covers around 90% of all model variants.

Nick Molden, co-founder of the AIR Alliance, said: “Creating a fully-fledged alternative to official ratings has been the objective of the AIR Alliance from the beginning, and we are pleased now to be able to launch the expanded AIR Index to offer an important practical tool to cities, buyers and the industry.”
“Reducing nitrogen oxide emissions is not the only type of pollution that is of concern, but it is perhaps the most pressing in the light of the systematic design problems of vehicles that were revealed by Dieselgate.”
As a not-for-profit organisation, the AIR Alliance is independent of the car industry and governments. Its objective is to bring about reductions in air pollution and gases that contribute to climate change through the power of real-world data.
Nick Molden photos AIR
Permanent-URL:
|
Volkswagen Group Components commences battery recycling
02.02.2021
|
Pilot plant in Salzgitter goes into operation The goal is to achieve a closed-loop process for recovering valuable raw materials from lithium-ion batteries Group Board Member Thomas Schmall: “A future-oriented issue that makes a major contribution to climate protection and raw material suppl more >> |
BMW Group sources aluminium produced using solar energy - Harnessing the power of the desert sun
02.02.2021
|
Aluminium produced using solar energy will meet almost half the annual requirements of the light metal foundry at Plant Landshut
- Triple-digit million-euro contract with Emirates Global Aluminium to supply 43 more >> |
Ford and BirdLife South Africa celebrate World Wetlands Day
29.01.2021
|
• World Wetlands Day serves as an important reminder of the role of Wetland areas• More than 25 bird species inhabiting Wetland areas are listed as a conservation concern• Ford Ranger enables BirdLife South Africa to reach otherwise inaccessible areas more >> |
KALK AP : A solar-powered electric motorbike to help anti-poaching units protect Africa’s endangered wildlife, with video
28.01.2021
|
The new Kalk AP, an anti-poaching, solar-powered electric motorbike - background on the initiative and partnership with SAWCPoaching has devastating consequences for all wildlife all over Africa. In some instances, it is the primary reason why ma more >> |
Nissan sets carbon neutral goal for 2050
28.01.2021
|
100% of all-new vehicle offerings in key markets to be electrified by the early 2030sNissan Motor Co., Ltd. has set the goal to achieve carbon neutrality across the company’s operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050.1 more >> |
Together for clean rivers: Audi Environmental Foundation, BABOR and everwave launch cleanup initiative
26.01.2021
|
Initiative for a clean Danube starts with activity weeks supporting Earth Day on April 22
Campaign with employee projects, information events and waste collection activities more >> |
Audi more than fulfilled the CO2 fleet targets for Europe in 2020
22.01.2021
|
Average CO2 emissions of new models are 101.5 g/km in Europe, more than two million grams below the legally required level – an improvement of around 20 percent compared to the previous year The company made an important contribution to the results of the Volkswagen Group Audi more >> |
C P Nel Motors supports the ‘Sea the Change’ environmental education youth programme
22.01.2021
|
Isuzu dealer, CP Nel Motors and Isuzu ChildLife are providing an opportunity for at least 60 disadvantaged young women to participate in the Sea the Change environmental education youth programme.It was all smiles (under mask) for Chulumanco G more >> |
UNCTAD updates principles to promote biodiversity-friendly trade
21.01.2021
|
Guidelines to help governments, companies and consumers benefit from sustainable trade in precious plants and animals now include elements such as climate resilience and marine biodiversity.
UNCTAD has launched its updated BioTrade Principles and more >> |
Volkswagen Passenger Cars significantly exceeds European CO2 fleet targets for 2020
21.01.2021
|
Average CO2 emissions for the passenger car fleet of new vehicles in Europe was around six million grams below the legal target – a decrease of 22 percent from 2019 Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: “Volkswagen continues to advance the transformation of the industry.” Volkswagen triples deliv more >> |
Honda Leads Full-Line Automakers in Fuel Efficiency and Lowest CO2 Emissions
09.01.2021
|
...According to U.S. EPA Trends Report Honda continues long history of leadership in EPA fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, among the top full-line automakers for more than 40 years Honda 28.9 fleet average fuel efficiency, 4 mpg better than industry average Fleet ave more >> |
SEAT and the Volkswagen Group restore the ecosystem of the Ebro Delta Nature Park
08.01.2021
|
The aim is to mitigate the environmental effects caused by the storm ‘Gloria’ and to preserve the biodiversity of one of Europe’s largest nature reserves
more >> |
EU renewable energy share increased to 19.7% in 2019
21.12.2020
|
In 2019, renewable energy accounted for 19.7% of energy consumed across the 27 EU Member States, according to Eurostat.
These figures, published on Friday, mean that the EU is only 0.3% from reaching its target of a 20% renewable energy share by 2020. Buildi more >> |
Wind turbines at BMW Group Plant Leipzig light up as Advent candles.
18.12.2020
|
The four wind turbines on the grounds of BMW Group Plant Leipzig have been generating green energy for BMW i production since 2013. But this Advent they have a second job as well: as symbols for Advent candles lighting the way to sustainability. more >> |
Toyota Motor Europe strengthens strategic alliance with CaetanoBus and Finlog in fuel cell bus business
18.12.2020
|
Toyota Caetano Portugal (TCAP), the joint venture of Toyota Motor Europe (TME) and Salvador Caetano, strengthened its strategic alliance with CaetanoBus and Finlog. The alliance will push for further expansion of Toyota’s zero emission mobility solutions on the way to the hydrogen society. more >> |
Becoming a carbon-neutral company: the latest Top Story available on CNHIndustrial.com
17.12.2020
|
What do we mean by a carbon-neutral company? How can this status be achieved and why is it so vital to the future of our planet? The answers to these questions and more, including how the team at CNH Industrial sought inspiration from Ch more >> |
Cake Eletric Motorcycles partnership with Southern African Wildlife College
16.12.2020
|
A partnership between the Southern African Wildlife College and CAKE Electric Motorcycles to leverage electric motorbikes and solar power in the effort to combat poaching in Africa.CAKE, the Swedish leader in premium electric off-road motorbikes, announced today a more >> |
H2Accelerate- new collaboration for zero emission hydrogen trucking at mass-market scale
15.12.2020
|
Daimler Truck AG, IVECO, OMV, Shell and the Volvo Group today committed to work together to help create the conditions for the mass-market roll-out of hydrogen trucks in Europe.As a growing number of governments and businesses align on a common vision of more >> |
Toyota makes leading-edge fuel cell technology available for commercial partners to accelerate the hydrogen society
07.12.2020
|
With fast-expanding interest and investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology, low carbon benefits can be realised in a wide range of applications
Toyota establishes new European Fuel Cell Business more >> |
The global Mercedes−Benz supply chain is becoming CO2 neutral - Next Milestone Ambition 2039
07.12.2020
|
As part of the Ambition 2039, Mercedes-Benz is pushing ahead with the transformation to CO2 neutrality with a package of measures along the entire value chain. The supplier network is a key element for achieving the climate goals of Mercedes-Benz due to the higher energy demand in the production of fully electric vehicles. &nbs more >> |
Isuzu’s waste is not wasted
04.12.2020
|
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) renovated and extended the derelict, unsafe one room house of an elderly woman who lives with her 17-year-old granddaughter, in Walmer Township, Port Elizabeth.The extension to the one room house of Nosheleni Ncanywa (80) was built from 90% recycled materials from Isuzu’s manufacturing plant. The house more >> |
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Debuts in Thailand to Offer a New Environmentally-Friendly Option
01.12.2020
|
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC) launched its flagship plug-in hybrid SUV, the OUTLANDER PHEV at the 37th Thailand International Motor Expo 20201 and started taking orders. Following the launch in Indonesia and the Philippines, Thailand is the third country in the ASEAN region to introduce the model.
more >> |
Fuel from waste: Volkswagen powers car freighters with used oil from restaurants
27.11.2020
|
First ship with MAN engine already running on climate-friendly fuel Approach reduces CO2 emissions of car freighters by more than 85 percent Part of a package of measures for sustainable logistics within the Volkswagen Group more >> |
Williams Advanced Engineering and OXIS Energy collaborate to advance cleaner transport in the marine sector
27.11.2020
|
Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) is collaborating with OXIS Energy to provide the world’s first battery system for a luxury electric boat Combining their industrial expertise, the two companies are working together for the advancement of a greener, cleaner world WAE will design and more >> |
BMW Group paves the way for production network of the future
23.11.2020
|
The BMW Group is speeding up the shift towards electromobility and strengthening its global network for production of electrified vehicles. The company is investing 400 million euros in a new vehicle assembly at the main plant in Munich and concentrating its European production activities for internal combustion engines at the Steyr and Hams Hall locations. more >> |
Audi on the road toward CO2-neutral production sites
23.11.2020
|
By 2025, production at all Audi locations is to become carbon-neutral Plants in Brussels and Győr already successfully converted CO2 program in the supply chain unlocks reduction potential for energy-intensive materials such as aluminum, steel and battery components   more >> |
Hyundai Motor Company and INEOS to Cooperate on Driving Hydrogen Economy Forward
23.11.2020
|
• Hyundai and INEOS signed a memorandum of understanding to explore together new opportunities in the hydrogen economy • Opportunities include production and supply of hydrogen as well as new hydrogen applications, technologies and business models • The tw more >> |
Audi and KIT are working on recycling method for automotive plastics
23.11.2020
|
Pilot project launched: chemical recycling is to enable a closed loop for plastics from automotive engineering Repurposing: recycled plastics waste is processed into pyrolysis oil, which can subsequently be used for new components Marco Philippi, Senior Director Procure more >> |
Offshore Renewable Energy Strategy - Key Technologies
19.11.2020
|
To become climate-neutral by 2050, the EU needs to further develop reliable and efficient sources of renewable energy.Most of our renewable energy is currently produced on land. However, there are also a range of technologies for renewable energy production at sea with considerable potential for further development.There are opportuniti more >> |
Boosting Offshore Renewable Energy for a Climate Neutral Europe
19.11.2020
|
To help meet the EU's goal of climate neutrality by 2050, the European Commission today presents the EU Strategy on Offshore Renewable Energy.
The Strategy proposes to increase Europe's offshore wind capacity from its current level of 12 GW to more >> |
BMW Group paves the way for production network of the future
19.11.2020
|
Systematic transformation towards electromobility - Investment of 400 million euros in new assembly for plant in Munich - Fixed costs reduced by 500 million euros - New cluster vehicle architecture from mid-decade on - Smart management of plant capacity strengthens competitiveness more >> |
New photovoltaic system for SKODA AUTO Service Centre in Kosmonosy
19.11.2020
|
› Almost 25 per cent of the electricity required at ŠKODA AUTO’s Service and Training Centre will be covered by CO2-neutral energy› Energy is stored in batteries and can be retrieved at any time; the system’s maximum power output has been rated at 441 kWp (kilowatts peak)› Investments amount to 30 million Czech more >> |
Tackling Africa’s energy crisis
16.11.2020
|
With many African countries struggling to keep up with the energy consumption demands of its citizens, the argument for a move away from unreliable coal-fired power stations has never been greater.
more >> |
Mercedes-Benz will in future only source battery cells with cobalt & lithium from certified mining sites
12.11.2020
|
... while significantly reducing cobalt Mercedes-Benz AG is fulfilling its responsibility as part of the sustainability offensive and is relying on sustainable supply chains for its electric vehicle fleet. Respect and protection of hu more >> |
MITSUBISHI MOTORS New Environmental Plan Seeks 40% CO2 Emissions Reduction and 50% Ratio of Electric Vehicles by 2030
02.11.2020
|
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC) has formulated a new Environmental Plan for the next 30 years. To contribute to realizing a society with net zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2050, the company aims for 40 percent reduction in the CO2 emissions from its new cars and business activities, and raising the proportion of electric vehicles in the total sales to 50 percent by 2030. more >> |
Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG sign binding agreement for new fuel−cell joint venture
02.11.2020
|
Joint venture for large−scale production of fuel−cells
The Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG have now a signed binding agreement for a joint venture to develop, produce and commercialize fuel-cell systems for more >> |
Volvo Cars and Polestar to overachieve on 2020 EU CO2 emissions target
30.10.2020
|
Volvo Cars and its strategic affiliate Polestar can confirm that they will reduce fleet emissions beyond their joint CO2 target for 2020 as defined by the regulations set by the European Commission, adding further credibility to both co more >> |
EAV presents new "EAV Taxi" as complete super-efficient environmental solution to urban ride hail
29.10.2020
|
EAV forecasts that the new EAV Taxi could reduce urban taxis and private hire vehicle traffic congestion by over 50% in next 5 years Electric Assisted Vehicles, the Oxfordshire-based micro-mobility manufacturer, has today revealed the latest more >> |
3-star FIA status: HWA AG, top-class for environmental issues
23.10.2020
|
HWA AG is renowned for delivering top performance in everything it does - including in the area of sustainability. The HWA AG not only meets the most exacting demands of motorsport and engineering, but also when it comes to implementing environmental standards and sustainability criteria. more >> |