On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) IV:

The overall system of engine and exhaust-gas aftertreatment for gasoline, diesel and hybrid vehicles is constantly growing in complexity. This is reflected in new or extended software modules for control and diagnostics that are broadening the requirements on calibration and validation. In addition, increasingly tighter emission ceilings for automotive internal combustion engines in Europe, the US and Japan are pushing up the cost and work involved in calibrating engines and the requisite exhaust-gas aftertreatment measures. As a result of these tighter requirements, on-board diagnostics, which is prescribed by law, is necessitating the implementation of new or extended monitoring functions delivering diagnostics results that provide greater differentiation and are also more reliable. The extended requirements on the durability of emission relevant components are additionally increasing this cost and work input.