Motor industry challenges EU plans for mandatory CO2 car targets
Mon 13 November 2006
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The European Commission is expected to publish proposals that will make CO2 emissions reduction a mandatory requirement after the voluntary agreements expire in 2008. Stavros Dimas, the European Environment Commissioner, said that legislation is needed to ensure emissions cuts and that this is likely to be tabled in 2007 after a period of consultation.
The Commission Vice-President and Industry Commissioner, Gunter Verheugen, has also voiced support for legislation, according to ENDS. The EU has already expressed the long-term aim that average new car CO2 emissions should be reduced to 120g/km by 2012.
The motor industry has reacted strongly to the proposals. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders accused the Commission of ignoring the pressures its members had been under to comply with safety requirements, which have made vehicles heavier because of the addition of airbags and other devices.
The Association of European Car Manufacturers (ACEA) in a press release said: "The efforts and achievements of the car industry to reduce CO2 emissions remain without comparison and should not be disregarded. To date, results are in line with the CO2 Commitment. According to its requirements, regulatory measures are therefore neither envisaged nor necessary".
ACEA called for the Commission to adopt an integrated approach to further CO2 reductions, as recommended by CARS21. According to ACEA, an integrated or comprehensive approach should involve, amongst other initiatives: adjusting infrastructure, increasing the availability of alternative fuels, influencing driver behaviour and continuing research and development of vehicle technologies.
In response to the motor industry's arguments, the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) said that cars can be both clean and safe. In a press release the Council said that it is not safety that makes the weight but size, comfort and, most importantly, the top speed capabilities of today’s cars.
"These are the true factors that are driving CO2 emissions," said Professor Claes Tingvall, Chairman of the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). Prof Tinvall said: “Blaming safety is unfair, incorrect and just hides the fact that there are other issues responsible for industry’s failure to meet its contract with society. The performance of smaller and lighter cars at Euro NCAP clearly shows that improved safety does not need additional weight”.
The UK's Department for Transport recently held a consultation on what should succeed the motor industry voluntary agreements. The consultation period has now ended. (See link below).
Related Links
FIA Foundation news
ACEA press release link
European Safety Council press release
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