Gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines offer the advantage of high efficiency and performance but suffer with higher Particulate Matter (PM) emissions.  This investigation aims to reveal the formation and evolution mechanisms of particle matter emissions from GDI vehicle engines and contribute to the development of strategies in control and reduction of PM2.5 in the sector of road transport. The work includes experimental and modelling studies of 1) soot formation and oxidation in the cylinder; 2) key factors in control of particle formation with respect to fuel quality and engine operating conditions; 3) particle evolution and rapid reaction in the exhaust system and in the near-field of the vehicle tailpipe outlet.