Although particulate matter pollution has been significantly reduced by the current emission regulations for cars and light commercial vehicles (Euro 6) as well as trucks and buses (Euro VI), it is still far too high (measured against the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO)).

Brakes are responsible for around 20 percent of a vehicle's particulate emissions. Together with tire and road abrasion, two thirds of particulate matter is emitted by the brakes. On the initiative of the European Union, a new Euro 7 vehicle standard is therefore being proposed, which for the first time contains additional limit values for particulate emissions from brakes and tires.

The new regulations are to be fuel- and technology-neutral and will be relevant for all vehicles, regardless of whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electric drive or alternative fuels. The vehicle standard is expected to be adopted in the course of next year.