ALPHABET says business car managers should make their company car drivers are aware of the changes and responsibilities that come with the AdBlue exhaust additive that is present in new EU6 diesel engines.

From 1 September this year, all new cars and light commercial vehicles under 1305kg (unladen) that are sold in the EU must be compliant with EU6 exhaust emissions standards. Unlike previous diesels engines, many EU6 compliant engines require an exhaust additive called AdBlue that neutralises the majority of harmful NOx emissions.

For some, AdBlue is not new, but from September, it will become an important requirement for many diesel drivers. This includes company car and van drivers who may not previously have been aware of it.

If businesses fail to prepare their fleet and drivers for changes as a result of new Euro 6 (EU6) compliant diesel engines, new diesel company cars and light commercial vehicles (LCV) could become immobilised.

Although most new diesel cars which require AdBlue carry enough quantity of the additive to last between scheduled services, due to the style of journeys that they make, certain drivers and vans will use up their reserves more quickly, requiring the additive to be topped up regularly.