The organisation said the initiative will launch in early 2016, after fully considering input from its advisory board, and be effective across the European Union to measure the NOx performance of passenger cars in real-world driving conditions.

The accreditation scheme is intended to complement the forthcoming Real Driving Emissions regulations for new vehicle certification and to help buyers clearly identify the cars emitting the lowest quantities of harmful pollutants.

The scheme will draw upon a group of experts to provide advice and guidance, review the test and rating methodology, monitor the regulatory context, and provide input into the wider development of the scheme. Academic and industry figures involved include:

• Professor Helen ApSimon – Air Pollution Studies, Imperial College London, UK
• Dr Adam Boeis – Department of Engineering, Cambridge University, UK
• John German – Senior Fellow, International Council on Clean Transportation, USA
• Dr Marc Stettler – Centre for Transport Studies, Imperial College London, UK
• Professor Martin Williams – Air Quality Scientist, King’s College London, UK

The ratings will be published and publicly available for all, including manufacturers, consumers, local and national governments, and fleet operators.