ShareLatest developments on the mobile air conditioning front
According to the MAC Directive, by January 1, 2017, all new vehicles in the European Union (EU) are to be equipped with air-conditioning systems using refrigerant with GWP under 150. Most EU car manufacturers have opted for R1234yf.
According to the MAC Directive, by January 1, 2017, all new vehicles in the European Union (EU) are to be equipped with air-conditioning systems using refrigerant with GWP under 150. This provision, which targets R134a (GWP = 1300), is already applicable from January 1, 2011 to all new models of vehicles.
. Most EU car manufacturers have opted for R1234yf. However, in Germany, Daimler is continuing to use R134a and has started testing MAC systems using CO2 with a view to meeting the 2017 deadline. Volkswagen has decided on a transition period before implementing CO2 systems, during which vehicles will be equipped with R1234yf.
. Honeywell and DuPont, R1234yf suppliers, face EU antitrust charges for monopolizing the refrigerants market eligible under the MAC Directive. Honeywell promised in a letter to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (EAMA) to lower chemical cost of refrigerants by 30%.
. In August 2014, the German UBA (Federal Environment Agency) denounced the results of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) analysis on the safety of R1234yf as superficial (see IIR Newsletter No. 58) and estimated that from a scientific point of view, the JRC conclusion that for R1234yf “there is no evidence of a serious risk under normal and foreseeable conditions of use” cannot be shared.
. On September 25, 2014, the European Commission ordered Germany to stop using R134a within two months or face court action and possible fines. Germany has two months to take the necessary measures to comply with the Commission's request.
. Most EU car manufacturers have opted for R1234yf. However, in Germany, Daimler is continuing to use R134a and has started testing MAC systems using CO2 with a view to meeting the 2017 deadline. Volkswagen has decided on a transition period before implementing CO2 systems, during which vehicles will be equipped with R1234yf.
. Honeywell and DuPont, R1234yf suppliers, face EU antitrust charges for monopolizing the refrigerants market eligible under the MAC Directive. Honeywell promised in a letter to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (EAMA) to lower chemical cost of refrigerants by 30%.
. In August 2014, the German UBA (Federal Environment Agency) denounced the results of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) analysis on the safety of R1234yf as superficial (see IIR Newsletter No. 58) and estimated that from a scientific point of view, the JRC conclusion that for R1234yf “there is no evidence of a serious risk under normal and foreseeable conditions of use” cannot be shared.
. On September 25, 2014, the European Commission ordered Germany to stop using R134a within two months or face court action and possible fines. Germany has two months to take the necessary measures to comply with the Commission's request.