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This paper describes the E.O.B.D. (European On Board Diagnostic) system used in the latest version of engine control units (called: MultiJet) fitted to the new Diesel Engines developed by Fiat GM Powertrain (FGP). FGP Diesel engines have been capable of satisfying the Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards when the most updated level of engine exhaust emission reduction devices (including sophisticated EGR and DPF filter trap) were adopted. Due to newly introduced legislation, since January 2004 this engine configuration will be monitored continuously through a suitable European On Board Diagnostic software system. The software strategies allow to satisfy legislation requirements (Directives 98/69 and 2002/80) and are applicable to various engine displacements, 1.3l and 1.9l 4 cylinder, suitable for cars having different types of electrical network configurations. This diagnostic software was developed, up to its final validation, in collaboration with R.

Italian market has been interested since long time in fuel efficient vehicles. This is mainly due to the consequence of the ratio between average incomes and fuel prices. More in general it is known that the fiscal burden applied to cars is one of the highest in Europe. In addition, starting from seventies, the concern to improve air quality in Italian urban areas represents a real goal. Initially the concern was oriented to obtain a reduction in CO and Sulphates, more recently, having achieved a significant reduction with the previous pollutants, a similar reduction in benzene is requested. This paper gives elements to correlate for Italy, the evolution of technical specifications of engine and vehicles fuel economy improvement considering which can be the contribution of the Manufacturer and of the Customers air quality.

The trend of the Italian car market is towards the use of cars having lower weight and smaller engine displacements than the U.S. and European average. However, many Italian models fit well in the typical US/European segments. The challenge of the Italian car makers is to optimize the emission system as a function of car category, target performances and costs with an eye to innovative solutions such as the lean burn types.