Retrofit systems

For many owners of older model motor caravans, environmental zones no longer pose an obstacle thanksto the CIVD’s successful efforts to spur the development of retrofit filters, which have long been needed in the motor caravan domain. The CIVD worked closely with prominent manufacturers of this type of systemto develop and bring to market “closed” regulated retrofit systems, mainly for vehicles with yellow windscreen stickers, as well as for older motor caravans, as an alternative to the “open” unregulated retrofit systems for motor caravans. Particularly important in this regard was the development of retrofit filters forpopular models with red windscreen stickers.

In the interest of measuring potential market acceptance of retrofit systems and enabling retrofit systemvendors to develop suitable solutions in a timely manner, in early June 2009 the CIVD conducted a surveyof Germany’s largest leisure vehicle dealers concerning the potential demand for retrofit systems for the motor caravans affected. According to the dealers’ estimates indicated within the framework of the surveys, there is considerable demand for retrofit systems for motor caravans. The CIVD then purchased a test motor caravan, which was immediately made available for test driving.

As a result of these efforts, a series of retrofit systems for motor caravans was presented to both consumers and members of the trade at the 2009 CARAVAN SALON trade show, along with the test vehicle that was used as a basis for development of these systems. This vehicle, which was retrofitted with aregulated diesel particulate filter, aroused considerable interest since many show visitors owned a similarmotor caravan. Motor caravans that are outfitted with the retrofit filter (which has of course been authorizedfor use by federal authorities) can switch from a red to a green windscreen sticker.

This evolution is also beneficial for motor caravan sales, since in the past many customers were reluctant to purchase a new motor caravan because they were unable to trade in their old one.

Although retrofit systems are not yet available for all motor caravans, it has been possible to retrofit diesel particulate filters into many motor caravans that have yellow or red windscreen stickers, and even intosome older EURO I vehicles that do not have a emissions-control windscreen sticker. This in turn meansthat most leisure vehicles are now permitted to access the environmental zones in all cities.

Currently, retrofitted diesel particulate filters are not eligible for financial subsidies. However, the CIVD isstrongly in favor of such subsidies, since the retrofitting costs for these filters are in many cases far higherthan the average price of retrofitting a car or other vehicle, owing to the more complex technology thatcomes into play, particularly in regulated retrofit systems that allow for reliable regeneration in older motorcaravans.

Download (German language) "Urlaubsspaß trotz Umweltzonen"