| Changes in raw material cost will massively affect the | | | | continuing increases in energy costs have driven up |
| UK's AdBlue market. | | | | the cost of production in plants across Europe. |
| Due to increased energy costs, the expenses | | | | Several leading manufacturers of the solution have |
| involved in urea production have soared to almost | | | | started to make changes already to compensate for |
| twice that of last year, this is now being reflected on | | | | the increased cost of production. |
| to end users. | | | | With the recent change in the euro exchange rate, |
| For those of you who are not already familiar with | | | | British suppliers are even worse off than before. |
| the concept, AdBlue is used as a reagent to reduce | | | | Now with prices exceeding one pound per litre at the |
| the harmful emissions from a diesel vehicles engine. | | | | pump, the changes have hit many operators hard. |
| AdBlue is a trade name for AUS32, an automotive | | | | Transport costs continue to rise and are higher than |
| urea solution. | | | | ever. |
| In order to use AUS32, the vehicle must be equipped | | | | Admittedly, drivers and fleet owners will still benefit |
| with an SCR (selective catalytic reduction) unit. the | | | | from the savings to be made when running SCR |
| fluid is passed through the SCR and into the exhaust. | | | | equipped vehicles but even still it is only a matter of |
| AUS32 is made using Urea mixed with De-ionised | | | | time before haulage rates are increased which will no |
| water. | | | | doubt affect most markets. |
| Many vehicle manufacturers across Europe have | | | | Inevitably cost savings will need to be made |
| embraced this new technology to ensure that their | | | | elsewhere, fortunately SCR equipped vehicles will |
| vehicles meet new European standards, Euro 4 and | | | | continue to avoid London's recent high emissions tax |
| Euro 5.an alternative method is exhaust gas | | | | and other European cities which are expected to |
| recirculation but many feel this other technology may | | | | follow suit (Birmingham, Paris and Milan) will also offer |
| not meet future requirements. | | | | some comfort to modern fleet owners. |
| As with many other industries, recent increases in | | | | Buying in bulk is not recommended due to the short |
| gas and oil prices over the past few months have | | | | shelf life of the product. |
| started to affect the costs involved in producing the | | | | One thing is for certain, transportation costs will |
| automotive solution. | | | | continue to rise until pollution levels reach an |
| Considering the primary component is Urea and the | | | | acceptable level. |