The National Automotive Policy 2014 that was announced today did not mention any details on the introduction of Euro 4 (or Euro 4M as it is called in Malaysia) petrol and diesel fuel in Malaysia. We understand that studies are still undergoing and it will only be announced in two months time.

Euro 4 fuel is integral in the new EEV incentives policy, as the EEV definition that was revealed today is only the first version of the table. The EEV definition calls for a minimum fuel efficiency that needs to be met based on how heavy a car is. This definition is in effect immediately.

The next version of the EEV definition will include CO2 emission specifications as well, however that needs to wait until Euro 4 fuel is implemented. Naturally, CO2 emission specs cannot be introduced now as our Euro 2 fuel will result in an engine producing higher CO2 emissions compared to the same engine running on Euro 4 fuel.

Even for the many diesel engine powered cars introduced in Malaysia, as fuel efficient as they may be, have to have a system called a diesel particulate filter removed, which actually increases the amount of pollutants emitted.