EUROPE: The German press is reporting that the German car manufacturers Daimler, Audi and, perhaps, BMW, are to pull out of the latest Cooperative Research Programme (CRP) being conducted by SAE International to investigate the safety of the refrigerant R1234yf.
According to reports in Der Spiegel, autoservicepraxis and Die Welt, Daimler and Audi (representing the VW group) have withdrawn from the group of 13 car manufacturers behind the latest SAE tests, and fellow German manufacturer BMW may also be looking to walk out. Reports suggest the German manufacturers do not agree with the test methods and procedures.

The latest CRP group of 13 car manufacturers was formed at the end of last year following tests carried out by Daimler which questioned the safety of the new refrigerant, a replacement for R134a.

An interim report from the group before Christmas suggested that tests by that stage had failed to uncover any new information to question the safety of the new gas. It is not yet clear what will happen to the tests if the Germans withdraw from the group which also includes Chrysler/Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, PSA, Renault and Toyota.

Reacting to Daimler's withdrawal, refrigerant manufacturer Honeywell commented 'It shows an unwillingness to accept SAE's proven, scientific, peer-based approach that repeatedly demonstrated the product is safe as well as the fact that other automakers have been able to effectively and safely use 1234yf.

'Unlike the SAE approach, Daimler's testing was conducted without the participation of any reputable third party and without consultation with others in the industry. Also, this testing came on the eve of the MAC Directive, despite the fact that automakers had six years to prepare for compliance.'