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Operators may go on a 'pre-buying spree' of more fuel-efficient Euro-5 vehicles shortly before the Euro-6 emissions standard becomes mandatory in 2014.

Compared with Euro-5 levels, the revised targets  require manufacturers to reduce NOx and particulate emissions by 80% and 66% respectively - however, achieving these requirements using existing engine technology would result in a 4% increase in fuel consumption.

One industry analyst believes the introduction of Euro-6 could follow the US example of 2006 where hauliers stockpiled HGVs shortly before the stricter EPA2007 emissions regulations became mandatory.

Speaking at the annual Diesel Emissions Conference in Brussels, Tim Cheyne, director of Integer Research, said: "Pre-buying is certainly a possibility, especially if the price of fuel continues its steady rise and if the claimed Euro-6 fuel penalties are taken on face value today.

"Also with Euro-6 regulations having been brought forward, this could limit the amount of time operators have to take advantage of tax incentives like the Reduced Pollution Certificate. The downside is a massively distorted market that invariable nosedives once the initial  take-up has subsided."

However Bruno Chazalette, director of strategic planning at Renault Trucks, believes that the pre-buying won't be an issue come 2013/14. He says: "I don't foresee customers pre-buying Euro-5 trucks because it requires a significant capital commitment and it also doesn't make good business sense to have trucks sitting idle.

"We will make the Euro-6 engines as fuel-efficient as – if not more fuel-efficient than – Euro-5 examples, but they [Euro-6 vehicles] will definitely be more expensive to purchase."

Photo by Martin Lee / Rex Features.