Developments in autocatalyst technology and its application have, in recent years, demonstrated the technology's suitability for European market use.
The European Directive on Emissions is still not issued. The current position is reviewed with the expectation that agreement on future European Emission levels can be reached this year.
A survey, comparing costs, performance and economy, of catalyst and non-catalyst models sold in European markets show the effects on performance and economy to be marginal, while initial purchase costs are modest.
The simple fitment of catalysts on small cars, less than 1.4 litres, has shown that emission levels approaching US limits can be achieved without additional fuel management costs. Tests conducted on 3-way and oxidation catalyst equipped cars on the proposed higher speed addition to the ECE drive cycle, show that without catalytic control of nitrogn oxides, nitrogen oxide emissions increase at speed.