Diesel car introduction fuels pollution debate

After the formation of a committee on diesel cars by the Ministry of Environment last Monday, debate is heating up over allowing the introduction of diesel-run passenger vehicles. Collectively, car makers are concerned the new committee will introduce tougher environmental regulations. But even among individual manufacturers, there are differing views on how and when to introduce diesel passenger vehicles. The committee will examine issues on emission levels of diesel cars and adjustments in the prices of gasoline and diesel fuels. A proposition is scheduled to be reached by Feb. 6, which the government will discuss with its relevant departments to come up with a final plan by Feb. 15. Government branches, the auto industry and environmental organizations also each hold different views, making it difficult to predict when diesel passenger cars will be introduced in Korea. Analysts' expectations range from early 2005 to 2007. The biggest concern is deciding on standards of emissions. Kang Chul-gu of the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association said, "Compared with the EU's internationally acknowledged standard Euro III, Korean standards are five times stricter for particle matter and 25 times stricter for nitric oxide emissions. No country has the technology to satisfy these numbers." The auto industry is arguing that for diesel passenger cars to be marketable, emissions standards need to be lowered to EU levels. The automobile manufacturers association says marketing of diesel cars locally is necessary to raise the competitiveness of the Korean auto industry. Local manufacturers differ on when to start marketing them. Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motor Co. already export diesel passenger cars to Europe and are wanting to sell them to Korean consumers as soon as possible. But GM Daewoo, Renault Samsung, and Ssangyong Motor say that introducing them in 2006, when a new Euro IV standard is finalized, would be more profitable. by Ryu Kwon-ha