Europe’s car industry has launched a campaign insisting the latest diesel technology is clean and acceptable for use in cars, as tighter emissions standards have been introduced.

From September 1 all new vehicles will need to comply with Euro-6, the new European vehicle emissions legislation.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has launched www.cleandieseltech.eu to mark the occasion and provide information on what Euro-6 means for the industry and for air quality. The website provides infographics which demonstrate the ways in which technology has advanced over the years.

The move comes as diesel engines have faced growing opposition from campaigners concerned about air quality in urban areas, and suggestions that air pollution is responsible for the premature deaths of thousands of Londoners every year.

A number of proposals have been put forward to discourage diesel use, such as increasing the congestion charge for diesel vehicles or banning them altogether from city centres.