EU 'Cars and CO2' regulation - 2020 target proposed as Italy opposes Franco-German 'deal' on emissions
Wed 25 June 2008
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Pressure for a regulated 2020 average new car target of around 100g/km is growing in Europe following reports of an agreement between Germany and France which will weaken the targets proposed for 2012. Meanwhile, the European Parliament's Transport Committee has voted down proposals to reduce financial penalties for failure to meet the regulatory targets.
The Guardian reported that the governments of Britain, France and Germany are pressing Europe's motor industry to accept a target for C02 emissions close to 100 grams a kilometre by 2020 compared with the current target of 120 grams by 2012-15.
The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has proposed the adoption of an emissions target of 100 grams a kilometre by 2020 at a recent EU Summit. Environmental groups are calling for an 80g/km target by this date.
The French and Germans are reported to have agreed to a 2020 target of between 95 grams and 110 grams when they struck a deal to resolve the protracted dispute over the EU's 2012 emissions proposals. The German car industry has been fighting a rearguard battle against the target which is perceived as likely to damage their interests.
The Guardian reports that the French and German leaders have agreed that the average fleet limit for new cars should now be set at 120 grams from 2012 but that it should be 'phased in' over the three years to 2015 for certain heavier models.
The French are also reported to have agreed that "green" innovations such as solar panels on car roofs, seven-speed gear-boxes, improved tyres or high-tech beams can count towards meeting the emissions target.
Italy, however, is reported to have expressed its opposition to the Franco-German deal, describing the proposals as "unacceptable" because they favour large engines with high fuel consumption. This would mean companies that offer more fuel-efficient cars, including those based in Italy, are put at a disadvantage.
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