At the Frankfurt Motor Show environmental group DUH has advised VDA President Wissmann to resign should automakers not opt for CO2 as a refrigerant. Tests done and filmed by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing have confirmed the toxicity of HFO-1234yf. The video with explanations is now available on R744.com.
In a press conference held on 16 September, German environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe has attested the automotive industry association VDA and its President Matthias Wissman a complete breach of word. After having announced CO2 as a refrigerant to be used in all future German cars at the IAA 2007, Wissmann would now, exactly two years later, face the “ruins of his credibility”. While hailed by DUH as the first serious attempt of German carmakers to take environmental leadership and opt for a future-proof technology with strong supplier support in Germany, Jürgen Resch, DUH, had to conclude yesterday:
“We have to withdraw our praise of Mr Wissmann and we have to testify that we have been deceived. We demand that either the VDA president will be able to enforce the compliance with the EU Directive or that he, to remain credible, resigns.” Today’s official opening of the Frankurt Motor Show has brought to light what manufacturers’ tactics have hinted at over the last two years: that no single German carmaker will be ready to comply with the EU MAC Directive demanding a refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential of less than 150, starting in 2011. On the contrary, despite the announcement that no chemical alternatives would be tested anymore, the industry seems to still evaluate HFO-1234yf, a flammable chemical with “risks for humans and health”, as Dr. Axel Friedrich, international transport expert, stated.
BAM confirms toxicity of HFO-1234yf...
As a most convincing proof of how dangerous the proposed refrigerant alternative 1234yf can really be for passengers and rescue personnel in case of an accident with front damage, DUH presented a test done on 26 August. The video shown to the public for the first time testified the development of highly toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) from a standard VW Golf where an accident with a damaged MAC system was simulated during normal city driving (600°C). The tests, performed by the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), confirmed that burning HFO resulted in more than a 90 ppm concentration of HF in the engine compartment. As a comparison, fire experts would need special equipment for HF concentrations above 4 ppm. As a result it did not only lead to heavy corrosion on the glass windows but resulted in life threatening concentrations for humans. The fire was put out before further damage could occur.
DUH had presented a similar video leading to the same results one year ago which carmakers and chemical companies had dismissed as being biased and not reflecting reality. However, the new tests were conducted and supervised by an official German federal institute, proving that in a standard system with standard charge (900 grams) and oil the risk for humans would be incalculable.
BAM video live on R744.com
Media reacts
Both Financial Times Deutschland and Reuters picked up on the issue to inform readers live from the IAA about the present state regarding the choice of a next-generation refrigerant for cars. An impressive amount of regional papers reflected the news in their online editions. The Greenpeace Magazine project "Der Klima-Lügendetektor" (climate lie detector) mentioned the CO2 MAC issue as one of the most impudent promises the VDA has not sticked to.
In a press conference held on 16 September, German environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe has attested the automotive industry association VDA and its President Matthias Wissman a complete breach of word. After having announced CO2 as a refrigerant to be used in all future German cars at the IAA 2007, Wissmann would now, exactly two years later, face the “ruins of his credibility”. While hailed by DUH as the first serious attempt of German carmakers to take environmental leadership and opt for a future-proof technology with strong supplier support in Germany, Jürgen Resch, DUH, had to conclude yesterday:
