So, primary registration with the traffic police is now impossible for both new and used cars if they do not meet the Euro-4 environmental class. It is worth noting that European manufacturers have already been meeting these standards since at least 2005 — that is when the standard came into effect in European countries.
In Russia, a similar requirement has been in effect for a year now, so the entire new domestic automotive industry has already been brought into compliance with these standards. The new rules hit Ukrainian manufacturers the hardest, forcing them to modernize their products.
Making adjustments to car designs and technological processes required serious financial investments, which, of course, will affect the final price. As stated by the deputy chairman of the board of the UkrAuto corporation, Oleh Papashev, such changes will increase the cost of each car coming off the company's assembly line by an average of $300.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that from January 1, 2016, Ukraine will have to switch to Euro-5 standards for cars. At the same time, until 2016, we are allowed to use Euro-3 fuel, which may not have the best effect on fuel equipment and on produced cars designed for Euro 4-5 standards. On top of that, Ukrautoprom products will rise in price again, and it is not yet known by how much.
Overall, the introduction of stricter environmental standards is a positive phenomenon, as it contributes to improving the environment and increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian goods on foreign markets. However, for a full balance, it is necessary that both production and fuel quality control keep pace with the requirements of the new European standards.
