Road Transport Authority (RTA), in another move to improve the air quality in the city, has begun a four-month trial using 10 Mercedes-Benz buses fitted with the automotive leader’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Bluetec technology.

Bluetec uses a non-toxic, water clear, synthetic solution as a reduction agent for SCR in diesel powered vehicles. Toxic nitrogen oxide exhaust gas components are reduced to nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide.

The diesel fuel currently available in Dubai contains 500ppm (parts per million) of sulphur, compared to the 50ppm or lower low sulphur diesel (LSD) commonly available in Europe and the United States, said a RTA official.

'This significant test will identify how much nitrogen oxide emissions can be reduced and fuel economy improved using a Mercedes-Benz bus fitted with a diesel engine built to meet Euro 4 emission standards,' said Essa Al Dossari, CEO, Public Transport Agency, RTA.

“We are in the advanced stage of procuring 50ppm diesel and plan to introduce it for public buses in the first quarter of 2008,” he added.

According to Dossari, the introduction of SCR technology to the public bus fleet represents the RTA’s commitment to bring down pollution.

International studies show lower sulphur fuel contributes to reduced pollution. It is RTA’s desire to do our best to reduce pollution and provide a cleaner environment for Dubai,” he added.

“In due time, the availability of 10ppm ultra low Sulphur diesel in Dubai will drastically reduce pollution from diesel engines.  Like the recent introduction of hybrid taxis, the RTA will continue to seek global partnerships where such effective pollution reduction technology comes from for the good of Dubai.”

Protecting the environment is a primary objective and an integral part of corporate strategy of the Mercedes-Benz which is working for more environmentally-friendly products and a sustainable mobility of the future.

“In our innovative exhaust treatment system, we bring together various technical features for reducing all relevant emission components in diesel vehicles. Bluetec includes an oxidizing catalytic converter as well as innovative technologies for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions while PM emissions are reduced in the combustion process,' said Kerem Tas, general manager, Mercedes-Benz Bus Middle East.

'This is currently the most effective method for exhaust gas treatment, and it can reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80 per cent,” he added. 

“As the biggest bus manufacturer in the world, Mercedes-Benz has been developing state-of-the-art vehicle technologies in its own production facilities throughout the world. Being the maker of first motorcar and inventor of the omnibus, Mercedes Benz is today regarded as the world's most successful automotive brand,' Tas added.-TradeArabia News Service