Another approach to cleaning up older cars with little or no pollution controls is to retrofit them. This means installing pollution control devices after the vehicle is in use rather than during vehicle production. Retrofit programs can be mandatory or voluntary with both positive and negative inducements.
Actual Experiences With Gasoline Fueled Vehicles
Budapest - By the end of 1993, catalytic converters became mandatory equipment on all new cars in Hungary, whether imported or assembled domestically.
California - In 1972, 100 vehicles were retrofitted with oxidation catalytic converters and each was driven for at least 20,000 miles.
Germany - Germany conducted a voluntary retrofit program using tax credits as an incentive during the 1980s. It is estimated that approximately 800,000 cars in Germany have now been retrofitted.
Diesel Particulate Retrofit Programs
Available after-treatment retrofit controls
There are two main retrofit approaches to clean up diesel particulate emissions from existing vehicles and engines:
Retrofit programs on buses and trucks
London buses
In an effort to save the traditional double decker bus, some of which are more than 40 years old, the London Bus Company has embarked on a retrofit program.
Swedish trucks
Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmo have placed restrictions on the types of heavy-duty vehicles that can be used in their most heavily polluted central areas.
US Retrofit Program
In 1993, EPA published Retrofit/Rebuild requirements for 1993 and earlier model year urban buses whose engines are rebuilt or replaced after January 1, 1995. The program is limited to urban buses operating in metropolitan areas with 1980 populations of 750,000 or more.
South Korea
A major effort had been underway in Seoul, Korea to retrofit urban buses with particulate filters.
Germany
Germany initially embarked on a heavy-duty diesel retrofit program in 1993 with the fitting of 800 to 900 vehicles.
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