International. International manufacturer DuPont estimates that HFO1234yf refrigerant will be found in the air conditioning systems of around 3 million vehicles worldwide by the end of this year.
The company says most automakers are currently using the new low-global warming potential refrigerant, not only to comply with European MAC regulations, but also to voluntarily take advantage of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), credits intended to encourage the use of products with reduced climate impact.
With predictions that the United States will follow the European Union (EU) in eliminating the use of R134a in new vehicle HVAC before the end of this year and with Japan hoping to announce an HFC phase-out schedule, DuPont expects further uptake of the new refrigerant.
However, even though it is cleared and safe by SAE International, Germany's Federal Transport Authority and the EU Joint Research Centre, some German car manufacturers continue to raise concerns about R1234yf due to its flammability and potential production of dangerous by-products in the event of a fire.
