Environmental legislation as a driver of design

Abstract

Around the world there is an increasing tend to introduce regulations concerning the environmental impact of products. In the automotive industry legislation has concentrated on exhaust emissions. Initially on-highway applications were regulated, but now attention has spread to include off-highway vehicles. This paper examines the impact of legislation on diesel engine manufacturers. They have had to adapt dramatically their research, design and development processes in order to survive in the current fast paced competitive environment.