Fuel Efficiency Evolution and Air Quality Improvement In Italy

Italian market has been interested since long time in fuel efficient vehicles. This is mainly due to the consequence of the ratio between average incomes and fuel prices. More in general it is known that the fiscal burden applied to cars is one of the highest in Europe.

In addition, starting from seventies, the concern to improve air quality in Italian urban areas represents a real goal. Initially the concern was oriented to obtain a reduction in CO and Sulphates, more recently, having achieved a significant reduction with the previous pollutants, a similar reduction in benzene is requested.

This paper gives elements to correlate for Italy, the evolution of

• technical specifications of engine and vehicles
• fuel economy improvement considering which can be the contribution of the Manufacturer and of the Customers
• air quality.