BVRLA members have expressed concern over the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), because it is likely to identify higher CO2 emissions for vehicles than the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) which has been in use since 1992.
The WLTP will be introduced for any vehicle with a new type approval number from September 2017. The new test will measure a new vehicle’s individual CO2 value, taking into account the vehicle mass, including optional equipment, tyre rolling resistance class and aerodynamic options. It is expected to make the process of quoting prices to customers for vehicles more complicated, because of the requirement to calculate the effect of accessories on emissions. The BVRLA is advising members to consider how their procedures will need to change and how they will need to communicate this to their customers.
WLTP testing will be introduced for all vehicles from September 2018. During a transitional period between September 2017 and 2020, new vehicles will have correlated NEDC and WLTP type approval values to allow a comparison. HM Revenue & Customs has said there will be no changes to bandings for company car tax or Vehicle Excise Duty when the new test procedure is introduced. The BVRLA has produced a fact sheet with further information for members about the new WLTP test.
