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Europe is now setting up its own Auto/Oil Programme which will build on existing European data together with results from the excellent work being done by AQIRP (Air Quality Improvement Research Program) in the USA. However, it is vital that Europe learns from the ‘USA lessons’ and tailors its studies to reflect European needs. It is not possible to import AQIRP data lock-stock-and-barrel owing to differences in vehicle types, emission drive cycles, base fuel compositions and, possibly, air quality problems which, unlike the USA, have yet to be defined in Europe. Europe also has a much greater penetration of passenger car diesels. Vehicle design continues to make the most significant contributions to lowering road transport derived emissions, and cleaner fuels can also play a role, but there are dangers in making changes in fuel composition to reduce one specific pollutant that could lead to worse pollution elsewhere.