Klarius has taken the lead in lobbying the UK Government with regard to type-approval on catalytic converters and exhaust systems. The company has continually highlighted the fact that the UK has the worst road pollution in Europe, and has championed ways to address the problem.
Klarius’ lobbying has paid off in respect of type-approved catalytic converters, which are now obligatory on UK vehicles manufactured after 2001, but the problem of non-type approval of exhausts continues, putting the UK totally out of step with the rest of Europe.
“Effective lobbying finally made Government see sense about the need for type- approval of catalytic converters in the UK, and we are determined to redouble our efforts to make sure that this measure is followed by type-approval for all exhaust systems sold here,” said Paul Hannah, Business Development Director Klarius Group.
“Non type-approval on exhausts is a scandal that is making the UK the dirty man of Europe. We cannot understand the reticence on behalf of Government, especially as the case for type-approved systems is so clear. Not only are they more likely last longer, they can also help reduce emissions, increase fuel efficiency and reduce noise pollution.”
Independent tests show that a common vehicle such as a 1.6L petrol Vauxhall Astra fitted with a poor quality, non-type approved exhaust uses 3% more fuel than it does when fitted with a good type-approved replacement, costing both the motorist and the environment. Type-approval brings a higher level of quality to the customer as standard.
The law changed on Thursday 13th August 2009, making it illegal in the UK to fit a non-type approved catalytic converter to a petrol vehicle registered at any date from 1st March 2001. The date is in-line with the introduction of the ‘Y’ registration plate.
About the KLARIUS Group
Klarius Group is the largest European manufacturer of aftermarket car parts today. The Klarius Group operates five high-volume Manufacturing Plants, a Research & Development Centre, four European Technical Centres, eight International Logistics & Distribution Hubs, and eighteen national and regional Stock Warehouses based across Europe. Klarius Group Headquarters are located in Manchester (UK).
The Klarius Group employs 1,200 personnel across Europe, and has an annual turnover of 350 million Euros.
The two current major market brands within the Klarius Group are Klarius Emission Control Products and QH Automotive parts. Both the QH and Klarius product brands represent a range of OE quality replacement automotive products. Klarius Group companies now offer over 100,000 parts, covering the majority of the European Car Parc, supplying over 80,000 parts every day, to over 5,600 delivery points in more than 136 countries.
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DMA Europa Ltd. : Roland Renshaw
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Company Contact
Klarius Group Ltd. : Véronique Auger
Tel: +44 (0) 161 489 3764 Fax: +44 (0) 161 489 6617
Web: www.klarius.eu
Email: Veronique.Auger@Klarius.EU