Compromise Deal on European Vehicle Emissions
|
|
|
|
Friday, 05 December 2008 |
|
The legislation will require vehicle manufacturers to cut the average
emissions of new cars by 18% from current levels of around 160 grammes
of CO2/km to 130g/km by 2012.
A target of 130g/km is to be reached by improvements in vehicle motor technology. A further 10g/km reduction towards the 120g/km target should be obtained by other technical improvements, such as reducing the rolling resistance of tyres, eco-driving or the use of biofuels. However, the proposed limits vary according to the type of car manufactured and 130g/km is an industry-wide target.
Fiat's target will be stricter (at 122g/km) than Volkswagen's (132g/km) as the Italian firm’s cars tend to be smaller and already pollute less than those from the German company. Europe’s carmakers have been pushing the EU to hold back its CO2 policy until 2015 and reduce fines for those only slightly above the target.
Between 2012 and 2018, the fine will be €5 for the first gramme of CO2, €15 for the second gramme, €25 for the third and €95 from the fourth gramme of CO2. From 2019 manufacturers will have to pay €95 for each gramme exceeding the target. However environmental groups have criticised the targets, saying that the measures will fall short of original plans, adding that with the growing vehicle fleet in Europe CO2 emissions will actually increase overall.
PetrolWorld 031208
|
