THE introduction of the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) may bring big changes to the available options and accessories at dealerships.

This is because even minor variations on vehicle specifications can mean that each variant must have a different expensive and time-consuming WLTP test.

A backlog of testing is already causing major disruptions to sales in Europe and this is flowing through into Australia.

Cox Automotive’s head of external relations in the UK, Philip Nothard, said WLTP could have sounded the “death knell” for the huge option list that created the ability for customers to virtually personalise their cars.

“This (personalisation) caused huge confusion for the sector,” said Mr Nothard in an interview with Automotive Management.

“When a car came back into the market, it was near impossible to determine what it might be worth.

“WLTP has pretty much brought an end to all that. Along with the pressure on diesel, manufacturers have taken the opportunity to slim their ranges and do away with a lot of trims and options.

“It’s a trend that is only likely to gather momentum. It makes life easier for the manufacturer and the car retailer.”

The inclusion of a tow bar can add a further 1-2g/km to CO2 emissions and a panoramic roof generates a similar effect.

An increase in wheel size from 17 inches to 18 inches adds about 2g/km more in CO2 emissions.

This has led to some manufacturers streamlining their model ranges.

Volkswagen Group’s Spanish subsidiary Seat has introduced Easy Move which removes bespoke options in favour of simplified fixed trim levels.

Renault in Europe has introduced its EasyLife program with a three-trim line-up – Play, Iconic, and GT-Line – to Clio, Megane and Captur.

Citroen in the UK has cut its trim derivative count across all ranges to 92 from 114 in only seven months. It also reduced its diesel-engine options to 17 from 23 in the same period.

Similarly, sister company Peugeot’s trim options declined to 118 from 142 in the same period, despite the inclusion of 14 new 508 saloon options.

Meanwhile the WLTP test is proving to be bad news for car-makers because the results are showing an increase in CO2 emissions compared with the previous standard.

Global vehicle valuation company, Autovista, has reported that on a specific variant of a premium-brand segment model popular with fleet buyers, the CO2 emissions rating rose from 124-136 grams of CO2 per kilometre under NEDC to 152-166g/km under the WLTP test.

By Neil Dowling