As the Diesel Emits: GM's Powertrain Chief To Push For Global Emission Standard

If there is anything the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal has shown us, it has shown the various regulations used around the world are tricky to enforce and that automakers will take advantage of loopholes. General Motors' powertrain chief wants to change that by unifying emission standards around the world.

Dan Nicholson, GM's powertrain chief tells Automotive News that he plans to use his upcoming presidency of the International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies (Fisita) to push for the unification of emission standards around the world.

“We want all our engineering resources focused on improving air quality and reducing CO2. With different sets of rules, we have to put our engineering resources into nuanced regulatory differences rather than working on the root problem,” said Nicholson.

Nicholson said the differences between emission standards set by the EPA and those upcoming from the European Union are small. But engineering the same vehicle to meet different standards was costing a large sum across the industry.

Harmonizing the different standards will be difficult, but Nicholson says the benefits will outweigh the negatives.

“There is more overlap in the areas of interest than people think,” said Nicholson.

There's also another reason why Nicholson wants to take this on. China is in the process of setting up their own emission standards.

“With China in discussions right now, we are at a key pivot point. I’m concerned that if we miss our opportunities now they won’t come again for a long time,” explained Nicholson.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)