Libros UCLV { BETA }

Motor vehicles-cars, trucks, and buses-are a major source of air pollution. For 35 years we have been both learning about the problem and attempting to control vehicle emissions. In this introduction, we trace the history of our efforts to understand this important environmental issue and to find effective solutions, as well as look ahead to the future. While steady progress has been made and effective technology, such as engine controls, exhaust catalysts, and improved fuels, has been developed at the individual vehicle level, the full resolution of this problem still escapes us. Growth in vehicle use and the failure of the emission controls in a small but significant fraction of vehicles have offset a substantial part of the anticipated gains. Looking to the future, are prospects for effective emissions control better? Yes, improved fuel injection, sensors and controls, and catalyst technologies are being developed, more effective inspection programs are being implemented, and alternative fuels may play some role. However, growth in vehicle use will continue to present a major environmental challenge to both automotive engineers and regulators.