RTA and Mercedes aim to reduce public bus pollution through diesel

10.2.2008 - Dubai / Cairo / Stuttgart –
Air pollution is not only a major problem in Cairo, but also in a lot of other Arab cities. Dubai is one of the few cities to take actions now. Dubai Road Transport Authority (RTA), in another move to improve the air quality in the city and help Dubai become greener, has begun a four-month trial using 10 Mercedes-Benz buses fitted with the automotive leader’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) BLUETEC® technology.

With the diesel fuel currently available in Dubai containing 500ppm (parts per million) of sulphur, compared to the 50ppm or lower low sulphur diesel (LSD) commonly available in Europe and the United States, this significant test will identify how much nitrogen oxide emissions can be reduced and fuel economy improved using a Mercedes-Benz bus fitted with a diesel engine built to meet Euro 4 emission standards.

BLUETEC® technology ‘cleans’ exhaust gases, so that fewer pollutants are emitted. While it is commonly used with the lower 50ppm diesel, the current lack of such diesel from suppliers is no deterrent to the RTA in pursuing a cleaner environment for Dubai.

“We are in the advanced stage of procuring 50ppm diesel and plan to introduce it for public buses in the first quarter of 2008,” said HE, Eng Essa Al Dossari, CEO, Public Transport Agency, RTA.

“The introduction of SCR technology to the public bus fleet represents the RTA’s commitment to pollution reduction. International studies show lower sulphur fuel contributes to reduced pollution. It is RTA’s desire to do our best to reduce pollution and provide a cleaner environment for Dubai.

The RTA will continue to work towards achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to reduce pollution,” he added.
“In due time, the availability of 10ppm ultra low Sulphur diesel in Dubai will drastically reduce pollution from diesel engines.

Like the recent introduction of hybrid taxis, the RTA will continue to seek global partnerships where such effective pollution reduction technology comes from for the good of Dubai.”

Protecting the environment is a primary objective and an integral part of corporate strategy of the Mercedes-Benz which is working for more environmentally-friendly products and a sustainable mobility of the future.

“In our innovative exhaust treatment system, BLUETEC®, we bring together various technical features for reducing all relevant emission components in diesel vehicles. The system includes an oxidizing catalytic converter as well as innovative technologies for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions while PM emissions are reduced in the combustion process. This is currently the most effective method for exhaust gas treatment, and it can reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80 percent” said Kerem Tas, General Manager, Mercedes-Benz Bus Middle East.

“As the biggest bus manufacturer in the world, Mercedes-Benz has been developing state-of-the-art vehicle technologies in its own production facilities throughout the world. Being the maker of first motorcar and inventor of the omnibus, Mercedes Benz is today regarded as the world's most successful automotive brand.

“Mercedes-Benz is proud of being strategic partner of RTA and is privileged to take part in this pioneering project for a cleaner environment in Dubai,” added Tas.

BLUETEC uses KRUSE -AdBlue®, a non-toxic, water clear, synthetic solution as a reduction agent for SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) in diesel powered vehicles. Toxic nitrogen oxide exhaust gas components are reduced to nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide.