Renault introduces particulate filters on diesel cars

7 March 2003

During the recent Geneva Auto Show, Renault unveiled its Vel Satis 2.2 dCi (direct common-rail injection) luxury sedan equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) system, based on a catalyzed filter technology to be supplied by Engelhard Corporation. The cars will be available in Europe beginning in the second quarter 2003.

Please log in to view the full version of this article (subscription required).

The new Vel Satis equipped with the Engelhard filter meets the Euro 4 (2005) emission standards for all regulated pollutants, qualifying for European tax incentive programs intended to encourage voluntary reductions in diesel emissions.

The filter works by capturing particulate matter (PM) emitted from the engine. The filter’s catalytic coating enables the device to burn the soot during normal driving conditions, thereby regenerating itself. The regeneration process is initiated by the car’s engine management system. In combination with the oxidation catalyst, the filter system removes more than 95% of the hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter created by the engine.

The Vel Satis is the first modern diesel car to feature a catalyzed DPF. In 2000, particulate filters we introduced on diesel cars by Peugeot. The Peugeot system, sold in over 400,000 cars by the end of 2002, features a non-catalyzed filter regenerated through the use of engine management and a fuel additive. Historically, particulate filters were first introduced in the mid-1980’s on cars sold in California by Mercedes, but the use of this technology at that time was abandoned.

Diesel cars account for more than 40% of new car sales in Europe.

Source: Engelhard, Renault