Most European commercial vehicle manufacturers have opted for the Selective Catalytic Reduction Technology (SCR) to meet Euro IV norms in 2006 and Euro V norms in 2009. The SCR technology requires the use of AdBlue®, which is an aqueous non toxic urea additive.

An IRU international survey showed today that despite the fact that Euro IV and V vehicles are already on the market, the AdBlue® additive is available only in small canisters at only a few filling stations, and even more rarely at the pump. The IRU survey also showed that no measures have been taken as yet by either the national authorities or the oil companies to ensure the required widespread availability of AdBlue®.

“The major oil companies are adopting a largely passive attitude to AdBlue®, declining to get involved in mass distribution even though the AdBlue® market is set to grow with more Euro IV and, in particular, Euro V vehicles coming on to the market,” said Mr Paul Laeremans, President of the IRU. “This is why the IRU calls on governments and oil companies to take the necessary measures to ensure the availability of AdBlue® at the pump of all diesel filling stations.”

The road transport industry, in line with the IRU’s 3 “i” strategy (innovation, incentives and infrastructure) for achieving sustainable development, is fully prepared to do its part to reduce the environmental impact of its activity by purchasing the safest and cleanest vehicles.
 
Source: IRU