The European Union’s Euro 7 emissions regulations are expected to force several automakers to make changes in their vehicles. Although the standard won’t be mandatory until 2025, industry leaders and manufacturers in Europe are already gearing up for the impact of the new regulations. Mercedes-Benz is one of the manufacturers that will be trimming down their engines in the coming years.
Although an official announcement has yet to be made, reports indicate that the German carmaker is thinking of scrapping more or less 50% of its diesel and petrol-powered engines. In doing so, they can efficiently adhere to Euro 7 emissions regulations. This development came after Mercedes-Benz stopped the sales of its 2022 models of V8-powered cars in the United States. The announcement indicated supply chain issues as one of the main reasons for the suspension of sales.
When the Euro 7 regulations are implemented towards the end of 2025, car manufacturers will be given a specific time period to sell vehicles with older engines. However, homologation of new models using the previous norm is not allowed, which is why most automakers will have to trim their offering in terms of vehicles.
Which Mercedes-Benz engine models are at risk?
Although Mercedes-Benz Chief Operating Officer, Markus Schäfer, did not mention any models or engines when he announced the reduction of engine variants, there are speculations that the company might phase out old engine models like the S680’s 6.0 litre V12 that came out in 2012.
Mercedes-Benz isn’t the only European carmaker that has to adjust and adhere to changes, though. Porsche, for example, may have to end production of its Macan, which was recently refreshed and upgraded to the Porsche Macan 2022.
The Euro 7 emissions regulations may also make it difficult for manufacturers to create affordable small vehicles like the Fiat 500 and Renault Twingo. Electric powertrain-powered high-performance vehicles may also be at risk.
Understanding the euro 7 emissions regulations
Euro 7 emissions regulations refer to a new set of European vehicle emission regulations. It is said to be the final emission standard for the EU leading to the goal of transforming vehicles to become emissions-free.
The rules for Euro 7 are currently being drawn up and discussion and presentation of the proposals will take place at the end of the year, in the presence of the European parliament.
Currently, there are three major potential points to assess in Euro 7:
- Strict limits and tests for non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions and stricter limits for NOx and CO2
- A narrow Euro 6 revision; streamlining of the current rules
- Automatic lifetime surveillance for new cars, which is intended to ensure enforcement and compliance
While stricter NOx and CO2 limits may entail additional costs and increased pricing for consumers, streamlining has a more positive impact on administrative cost and can significantly improve testing procedures.
Since the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union, Euro 7 regulations hold no power over UK vehicles. However, UK-manufactured cars that are exported to EU countries are not exempt and should adhere to Euro rules.
European Union regulations for cars have been imposed since 1992, with the first EU standard, the Euro 1. Over time, the regulations have become stricter and acceptable limits are more challenging to stick to. Meeting Euro emissions standards ensures a vehicle is safe, not harmful to the environment, and therefore helps keep air quality good. The goal of EU regulations is to lessen the levels of dangerous exhaust emissions, specifically NOx or nitrogen oxides, HC or hydrocarbons, CO or carbon monoxide, and PM or particulate matter.
Ultimately, the European Union, through the Euro regulations, intends to transform vehicles to become near-zero-emissions by the year 2050. However, it is taking into consideration manufacturing concerns about Euro 7 possibly putting an end to the use of internal combustion engines.
Emissions claims
The European Union regulations are one way for authorities to control vehicle emissions, such as the 2015 Dieselgate scandal involving Volkswagen. Over the years, other manufacturers, including Mercedes, have been caught using emissions test defeat devices. Automakers have had to pay car owners compensation claims and deal with class-action lawsuits. Mercedes diesel claims, for example, have cost the German manufacturer billions.
With the introduction of the Euro 7 regulations in 2025, industry authorities hope that the zero emissions goal would have been achieved.
If you own a Mercedes-Benz and would like to know if it is safe from Euro 7 regulations and follows the legal standards, find Mercedes diesel emission experts. You may also have a diesel Mercedes that has been affected by the dieselgate scandal. Get in touch with the team at Emissions.co.uk to find out if you can claim compensation for a potential Mercedes diesel emissions claim.
