FEM (European Federation of Materials Handling) and two other European industry associations have issued a position paper announcing that they are in favour of cost-effective measures to improve air quality, but are concerned by the proposed inclusion of an additional Stage V in the revision of a European Commission (EC) directive.

Addressed to the EC in the context of discussions on a Stage V under Directive 97/68/EC on emissions from non-road mobile machinery, FEM and the peak body for construction equipment (CECE ) and agricultural machinery (CEMA) recommend the consideration of an incentive-based replacement of older machines from the legacy fleet.

The paper insists that a scientific study be conducted to demonstrate on a scientific basis a cost benefit to society of any recommendation that is made for Stage V, and also insists on a global alignment for any further stage.

Stage III/IV emission standards for non-road engines were adopted by the European Parliament in 2004 and 2005. Stage III standards, which are further divided into Stages IIIA and IIIB, are being phased in from 2006 to 2013, Stage IV enter into force in 2014.

In January, large-capacity forklifts and container-handling equipment regulations had to comply with Stage IIIB regulations that affect all diesel-powered, non-road equipment for sale in Europe with power ratings over 130 kW (173 hp.).

CECE represents 1,200 construction equipment companies with a turnover of EUR20 billion (USD28.136 billion), which employed about 120,000 people in 2010. CEMA represents 4,500 agricultural machinery companies with a EUR21 billion (USD29.540 billion) turnover and 250,000 employees in 2010. FEM represents about 1,000 companies that employ about 160,000 people.