Venson Automotive Solutions is urging fleets to get to grips with what the new Worldwise harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) means for them and their drivers as it publishes a new white paper on the subject.
The replacement to the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), WLTP is designed to better replicate real-world driving conditions and is expected to bring CO2 and fuel consumption rises of 20%.
Manufacturers have until the end of August to test their ranges under the Worldwide harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure – latest carmakers to complete WLTP testing and published NEDC Correlated figures for CO2 include Toyota, Volvo and, more recently, BMW.
However, WLTP fuel economy data isn’t set to be made public until next year, and the corresponding CO2 emissions data won’t be used for tax purposes until April 2020, as announced in the last Budget – there is no indication yet as to how such a scheme will shape up. Manufacturers still have to produce NEDC figures, to show compliance with EU range-wide CO2 emissions targets set for 2020/21, but these are now computer-converted from the WLTP results. These are often higher than current figures quoted under the NEDC test process, despite in many cases not being as a result of any mechanical changes, and company car tax has not been reformed to account for the increased CO2 emissions.
Manufacturers are already taking action to manage the negative impact of CO2 emissions, including the move towards WLTP. This may see the withdrawal of specific engines or options and re-engineering some vehicles to improve emissions, which in turn could slow down production and make it difficult for manufacturers to meet orders.
Danielle Tilley, business development director of Venson Automotive Solutions, said that fleets must now work to understand WLTP’s impact on company car policies and fleet choice.
She commented: “What is absolutely certain is that if vehicle CO2 figures have not been influential in the compilation of company car policies to date, they are now fast becoming critical. Meanwhile, not only is CO2 data vital, but those ‘must have’ optional extras beloved of many company car drivers may be confined to the dustbin come April 2020. That’s because, for the first time, options will be included in the CO2 /MPG testing process.
Tilley also said that fleets “need to understand the timeline for the full implementation of WLTP and the related Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test, as well as getting to grips with how both WLTP and RDE impacts on all aspects of vehicle related taxation between 2018 and 2020. Businesses need to make sure they are prepared for further change once the Government announces the shape of all vehicle-related taxation from April 2020.”
To access the Venson paper on WLTP, click here.
