From the realms of sport to high finance, it is evident that, when big money is at stake, participants are not averse to gaming tests or regulations. The motor industry is no different.
Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal rumbles on, with reports that an internal investigation reveals the decision to cheat official tests dates back to November 2006. Meanwhile, in Japan, Mitsubishi has admitted it has been fiddling fuel economy figures for some models in its home market since 1991.
So is such cheating endemic in the auto industry? While a seven-month investigation by the British government found no evidence that other firms were purposely cheating on emissions tests, it revealed almost all of the diesels tested emitted far more dangerous pollution levels than the official figures claimed – often by as much as 12 times.
The research confirms a systemic failure of an emissions testing regime clearly unfit for purpose. The laboratory test conditions bear little or no relationship to what happens on the road. For example, car firms can remove windscreen wipers, wing mirrors, spare wheels, and even tape up doors to reduce wind drag during tests.
Current emission figures only serve to give a proportional indication of how one car compares to the next. Yet carmakers happily play along with the fallacy that these figures are honest appraisals of what comes out of the tailpipe every day.
This is not just a motor industry problem: we often treat these figures as truth when compiling environmental policies. In Ireland these fantasy figures form the basis for our motor tax regime.
The EU promises new tests will be introduced next year. Experts, however, remain unconvinced the proposed changes go far enough to truly reflect everyday driving conditions.
Honest figures are vital in assessing the impact of transport on our environment, but also in allowing buyers to better assess the benefits of alternatives like hybrids or electric cars. Better informed consumers will force the motor industry to accelerate the roll-out of alternatives. It’s time for the motor industry to come clean on emissions.