Nissan has come under fire from environmental groups after opting to ignore a Government recommendation for emissions modifications to be made to thousands of its popular Qashqai models.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) discovered that the Sunderland-made 1.5-litre 110PS diesel Qashqai model - sold from 2015 to mid-2018 - emits 17 times more nitrogen oxides (NOx) than EU limits allow.
DVSA asked Nissan to retrofit the vehicles in order to reduce their emissions, following similar moves made by other manufacturers.
Nissan responded by saying it was “not possible to do a recalibration for existing customers”.
In its report, the DVSA said: “We find Nissan’s approach on addressing these extremely high-emitting vehicles unacceptable.”
Renault, which uses a similar 1.5-litre diesel in the Kadjar, is planning to make the modifications.
Vauxhall was also highlighted in the report and has agreed to make free adjustments to all of its EU-sold Astras, including almost 14,000 sold in the UK.
Andrea Lee, a member of the clean air team at campaign group ClientEarth, said: “Diesel car manufacturers have never been held to account for contributing to the illegal and harmful levels of air pollution in the UK.”
From September 1, 2019, all new cars sold in the UK will have to meet 'real driving emissions' standards which put limits on the amount of nitrogen oxides that can be emitted.
With the new tests in place, the DVSA tested nine diesel cars and found that older models of the Qashqai breached the limits.
The DVSA explained “We remain concerned by the poor real-world emissions control of a number of the vehicles we tested this year.”
The emissions contribute to the air quality issues, which causes health problems.
Nissan reaffirmed its stance, saying: “All Nissan vehicles fully comply with today’s emissions legislation.”
The company updated the engine in summer 2018 with a selective catalytic reduction system which it says complies with current emissions regulations.
In the last 10 years, Nissan has made more than 3 million Qashqais at its north-east Washington plant in England.
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Kenneth Brown
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A writer, journalist, marketer and social media manager with a degree in English and History, Kenneth became a professional writer in 2011. In 2014 he started his own business covering business events, world title boxing fights, plus tutoring, a year-long charity role for Peterborough’s disability community and working at the Crop Protection Association. Kenneth is content producer for Bauer Media’s AM and Fleet News brands. His role involves producing content for the website, newsletter, social media and assisting in the magazine’s production.
Gordy - 27/07/2019 01:34
So why is it a government recommendation and not a mandate? Nissan cars are poisoning us and they have made record losses this year but other manufacturers are doing the right thing so surely this can be made law and not just a request? Come on government - step up!