The new WLTP regulations will apply to all new vehicles from 1 September 2018. And while dealers saw a spike in new car sales ahead of a new VED regime in March 2017, experts at cap hpi say it is unlikely to happen ahead of September.

The EU legislation aims to provide customers with a more detailed view of how a vehicle performs concerning mpg and CO2.  The previous NEDC test cycle does not take optional equipment into account and doesn’t offer an accurate representation of driving styles which affect the emissions produced by a vehicle.

The new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) takes options into account on a vehicle as it’s acknowledged certain items will affect the aerodynamics, weight and rolling resistance.

Andrew Mee, senior forecasting editor (UK) at cap hpi said: “We are unlikely to see a significant spike in sales ahead of WLTP changes in September. WLTP, CO2 and mpg figures are being introduced on a phased basis, so many will be in place ahead of September. On the retail side consumers aren’t fully aware of WLTP, and if they are then many will not be overly concerned about official figures that only impact on VED rates. And for company cars, the renewal cycle is generally fixed, and although there could be a potential pull forward of renewals for BIK advantage, the manufacturer lead times may make this difficult in practice.”

Customers of cap hpi will be able to see under which test the vehicle derivative has passed. The new data solution is future-proofed by naming the test cycle being used by each derivative. It is likely that further changes to emissions measurement will appear in the coming years.

Beth Davies, product manager at cap hpi, said: “We have already enhanced our existing New Vehicle Data files and will be identifying test cycle data and MPGs as they become available from manufacturers. 

“We are releasing an online solution that will cater for individually configured vehicles, as the end customer will need to be provided with a true reflection of the vehicle’s emissions at point of sale. It will help them to make a more informed decision. Our API will enable customers to send quotes to first, be validated, and then to receive the relevant CO2 and MPG values for the configured vehicle.”