Volkswagen petrol cars to use particulate filters from 2017

Volkswagen Group will start using particulate filters in all petrol powered cars from next year. The company expects to equip such filters in up to 7 million vehicles every year by 2022. This announcement was made by the CEO of Volkswagen AG, Mathias Muller, during the company’s 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Particulate filters are responsible for trapping leftover particulate matter that is produced during the combustion process. Volkswagen has been using such filters in its diesel range of cars since 2008, but petrol cars aren't equipped with these filters since petrol engines are known to emit lesser particulate matter in comparison to their diesel counterparts. But research has shown that such particulate matter can be extremely harmful if inhaled.

The first cars that will feature the particulate filter will be the new Volkswagen Tiguan and the Audi A5, which are expected to be revealed in June 2017. The company claims that using these particulate filters will reduce particulate emission by up to 90 per cent.

In addition to the above announcement, Muller also pointed towards the company's plans to launch electric and autonomous vehicles in the near future. These steps are being taken to mend the tarnished image of the VW brand after last year's infamous dieselgate emission scandal.

Source: Autocar India