Were cars produced in 2011 compliant with China III or China IV emission standards?
2 Answers
2011 passenger vehicles complied with China IV emission standards. The China IV standard requires vehicles to reduce single-vehicle pollutant emissions by approximately 50% for light-duty vehicles and 30% for heavy-duty vehicles compared to China III standards, with particulate matter emissions reduced by over 80%. China III is the abbreviated term for the National Phase III Emission Standard. Methods to distinguish between China IV and China III standards: 1. Check the environmental protection label issued during vehicle inspection - a valid inspection will issue an eco-label to be affixed on the windshield's upper right corner. The number of stars indicates the compliance level (three stars denote China III). 2. Query the local traffic management bureau's official website to verify the vehicle's emission standard. 3. The Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection website can also check emission standards by inputting the vehicle's brand and model.
I remember most cars produced in 2011 met the China IV emission standards. The China III standard was introduced around 2008, but by the end of 2010, new regulations required light gasoline vehicles to mostly switch to China IV, so the vast majority of new cars in 2011 were China IV compliant. However, it wasn't absolute—some diesel models or older stock vehicles might still have been China III, as there was a transition period at that time. This is based on my personal car-buying experience back then; I had my eye on a 2011 model and specifically checked its environmental label to confirm it was China IV. To determine your car's standard, it's best to check the vehicle certification or registration details. Emission standards are quite crucial as they affect annual inspection pass rates and big-city driving restrictions, like in Beijing or Shanghai where rules are strict—China III vehicles can easily get stuck outside city limits. This reminds us to be more cautious when buying a car to avoid future hassles and even save on fuel costs. Nowadays, new cars are already at China VI—environmental progress is really fast.
