Since vehicle emission standards were introduced over 45 years ago, manufacturers have optimized vehicles and emission control systems around the testing while government agencies keep updating the requirements to try to make sure the reductions also occur in the real world. Emission control systems have become vastly more sophisticated and efficient over the years, and so has the software, making it more difficult to detect if manufacturers are cheating on the official tests. Volkswagen stepped over the line in order to reduce the cost and fuel economy trade-offs with diesel engine NOx controls and they were caught due to a relatively new innovation - a miniaturized emission lab that fits in the trunk of the car.

All talks are free and refreshments will be served. Visitor parking (Central Campus) is across the street from Weiser Hall (formerly Dennison Building) in U-M Church Street parking structure. There is a $2.00 cash parking charge.