The European Commission's DG Enterprise and Industry has published its draft proposal for Euro VI for commercial vehicles, outlining the legal basis, budgetary implications, emissions limits and manufacturer's obligations. The proposal sets limits NOx to 0.4g/kWh and PM to 0.01 g/kWh (previously Scenario A in the Commission's consultation). The publishing of the draft proposal marks the end of the Commission's public consultation phase. A final proposal will be completed by the end of 2007.

DG Enterprise plans to present the completed Euro VI proposal to the Commission at the start of January 2008. The Commission will then present the proposal to the European Parliament by mid-January 2008. Sources at the Commission expect the legislation to pass with little trouble and the Parliament should be pleased that the standards outlined in the proposal will allow Europe to achieve parity with the USA on limiting NOx and PM. Following the completion of the proposal, DG Enterprise will begin drafting the technical sections, outlining OBD and durability requirements.

The Commission hopes to have completed Euro VI by the end of 2008. Work can then begin on a more contentious subject - carbon limits for commercial vehicles!