MORE than 7,153 models for sale on the Chinese market can meet the stringent Euro 3 emission standards, and 1,358 models have been equipped with an on-board diagnostics system, a device to issue warnings if exhaust wastes are found to be over the limit.
China I
China started to implement the first generation of emission standards in 2000, equivalent to the Euro 1 standard in the European Union.
China II
China applied the second generation of motor emission standards nationwide in July 2004. The standard, equivalent to Euro 2, reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 30 percent and hydrocarbons by 55.8 percent.
Major cities acted much earlier, with Beijing enforcing Euro 2 standards in 2002, and Shanghai in March 2003 as a trial operation.
China III
China introduced new motor vehicle emission standards in July, 2007, which further lower exhaust wastes by nearly 30 percent on average.
The new standards, equivalent to Euro 3 standards in the European Union, limit sulfur levels to a maximum 150 ppm.
It also required higher standards on purifying equipment, low-temperature emission controls and engines. Car makers are also asked to install an on-board diagnostics system to monitor gas emissions. The new standard was approved by the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) in April, 2005.
China IV
China planned to introduce the China 4 emission standards by 2010 across the country. Beijing is expected to enforce the stricter standard in 2008 as its commitment to create a greener environment for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
From 2008, new vehicles on sale in the Beijing market must meet the China 4 emission standards. Meanwhile, the nation also plans to introduce a revised lead-free gas standard at the end of 2009, which will drive gas with sulfur levels of 500 ppm out of the market.