Why Doesn't China 6 Affect Supercars?
3 Answers
The main reason why China 6 does not affect supercars is that the original Euro 5 standard was equivalent to China 5, and the implementation of China 6 initially only imposes restrictions on China 2 and China 3 vehicles. Below is relevant information about the China 6 standard: 1. Emission Standards: The emission standards have been raised by more than 30%, with nitrogen oxides reduced by 77%, particulate matter reduced by 67%, and the introduction of PN (particle number) limit requirements. Additionally, the emission durability and OBD-related requirements have been tightened, and vehicle emission testing requirements have been introduced to fundamentally ensure compliance with emission standards. Compared to the China 5 emission regulations, the China 6 standard adds real-world driving emission (RDE) testing requirements and limits. 2. Implementation: Since July 1, 2019, the China 6a standard has been implemented nationwide, with plans to fully replace the 6a standard with the 6b standard by 2023. The currently implemented China 6a standard can be seen as a transitional phase toward the actual China 6 standard. Some first-tier cities like Guangzhou skipped the 6a standard altogether and directly implemented the 6b standard from the beginning.
The China VI emission standards actually affect all vehicles sold in China, including supercars, but from a technical perspective, it doesn't seem to hinder supercars much, mainly because supercar manufacturers have the resources to plan ahead. I understand this from some engine design discussions; supercar engines are usually highly customized and can employ more advanced technologies like dual injection systems or more efficient catalytic converters to easily meet emission requirements. Manufacturers had already tested and adjusted before the implementation of China VI, such as Ferrari or Lamborghini, which integrated hybrid technology into their designs early on, not only enhancing performance but also reducing emissions. Moreover, the production and sales volume of supercars are small, and consumers don't mind the higher costs. Overall, these standards have actually driven innovation, but the general public might mistakenly think there's no impact.
From a market perspective, the China 6 emission standards haven't significantly impacted supercars, largely due to their unique business model. Having been in the automotive industry for years, I've noticed that supercar buyers are mostly affluent individuals who are indifferent to price fluctuations. Manufacturers like Porsche or McLaren cleared their inventories early, with new models directly meeting the standards upon release, requiring no major modifications. Additionally, supercar production volumes are negligible compared to mass-market vehicles that require extensive production line adjustments. Policy-wise, there's also a grace period, with imported vehicles undergoing stricter testing as a baseline. Simply put, the China 6 standards have actually helped highlight the advantages of high-end vehicles, with no complaints heard within this niche circle.
