By John Simpson 11 July 2012
Average carbon emissions of new cars will be slashed to 95g/km by 2020, under new proposals set out by the European Commission today.
This decision would result in a reduction of 40g/km on current rules if the plans are accepted. New vans will also being forced to cut average CO2 to 147g/km within eight years.
"These are tough targets - the toughest in the world,” said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA).
“It is clear that CO2 levels from vehicles have to continue on their downward trend and the industry is committed to deliver on this.”
Car manufacturers in Europe would expect to see their production costs increase as a result of the new rule, creating a competitive disadvantage for the region.
This could delay the renewal of fleets and with new car registrations are expected to decrease by about 7% compared to 2011, sales could drop 12.2 million, a record low since 1995.
Mr Hodac added: "Considering that most manufacturers are losing money in Europe at the moment, the industry needs as competitive a framework as possible. Targets - while ambitious - must be feasible. The overall regulatory framework and market environment must be supportive, as also agreed in the recently concluded CARS 21 process.
"The industry is diverse; the CO2-legislation is complex, and the cost implications are huge. ACEA and its members will now take the time they need to investigate the details of these proposals and their envisaged consequences."
The ACEA is made of the BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, FIAT S.p.A., Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, IVECO S.p.A., Jaguar Land Rover, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars, Volvo Group.
Categories: Fleet news , ACEA
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