European Union to meet on emissions
European environment ministers will meet today to discuss planned emission taxes – with the motor industry lobbying government ministers to challenge the EU’s plans.
As of 2012, cars produced in the EU will have to meet strict carbon emission targets or manufacturers will face penalties. Under current plans set out by the commission, companies will be fined after a four-year phase-in from 2012 onwards if their fleets exceed an average of 120g/km of CO2.
The fines on companies will begin at £16 per new car for each excess gram in kilometre over the whole fleet. That amount will rise to £76 by 2015. It is stipulated that manufacturers must reach an average of 130g/km through improved engine technology and achieve the remaining improvement through innovations in the use of biofuels, tyres, gears and air conditioning.
New Jaguars and Land Rovers could be hit largely because of their ownership by Tata Motors. Under Tata ownership they will not qualify for exemption – small-volume carmakers avoid fines, while luxury carmakers that are part of larger groups escape penalisation due to their parents’ smaller car fleets.
The Government has been criticised for failing to make sure manufacturers are OK – in sharp contrast to France and Germany where politicians have worked hard with manufacturers.
In an attempt to get ahead of the game, Jaguar and Land Rover are already working on emission reducing engines. They have been supported by the Technology Strategy Board and the Department of Transport, with 16 projects planned worth more than £52million. Thanks to the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform, these schemes will receive £23million of Government support.
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