espri
Member Since: 07 Nov 2005
Location: Tyrol, Austria
Posts: 387
  
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There is an EU regulation which says that, if the number of days in a year on which the level of fine dust particles in the air goes over the specified limit, then action must be taken to correct the situation. This regulation came into effect this year, after a five year warning period, presumably in Britain too.
Over here in Germany, no-one had bothered to do anything during the probationary period, of course. So, when the limit was reached, there was a bit of a hoo-hah. Although traffic is only part of the cause, suddenly there was a demand that diesel vehicles should be fitted with ‘particle filters’ (or, alternatively banned/restricted from areas where the limit was exceeded). After a few weeks the excitement died down again, possibly because our politicians had other things on their minds (like forming a new government). No bans were put into force (yet).
However, awareness of the problem led to a hiatus in ordering diesel cars, as buyers thought that regulations would be introduced to give tax benefits to cars fitted with particle filters and because of the uncertainty factor. I am a prime example, for I had ordered a VW Multivan and then cancelled that when it wasn’t available with the filter.
Now LR are offering a particle filter as an add-on for the Disco3 here. Is this being offered in the UK too? Is any requirement for a filter even felt in Britain? My dealer cannot tell me what it will cost, so it still seems a bit vague (an add-on filter for the VW would cost about €600).
I believe that an add-on particle filter is a so-called “open†system. Seemingly “closed†system filters, which are linked into the motor electronics (as I understand it), are more efficient and to be recommended. Does anyone know whether LR plan to offer a closed system particle filter for the Disco3 and, if so, when? Actually, Peugeot are one of the more advanced companies in this development, I think, so perhaps something is in the pipeline.
Any information would be appreciated.
Eric
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 17th Nov 2005 9:16 am |
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