Transport

EC confirms plans to cut emissions from cars and vans

The European Commission today confirmed its plans to introduce targets to reduce the CO₂ emissions from new cars and vans even further.

The proposals would see average emissions from new cars down from 135.7 g CO₂/km in 2011 to just 95 g CO₂/km in 2020, with an interim mandatory target of 130 g CO₂/km in 2015.

Meanwhile, vans will be expected to achieve 147 g CO₂/km in 2020, down from 181.4 g CO₂/km in 2010, with a mandatory target of 175 g CO₂/km in 2017.

The figures have already been proposed in existing legislation, but the EC is now confirming the implementation of the new targets.

“With our proposals we are not only protecting the climate and saving consumers money,” says EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard. “We are also boosting innovation and competitiveness in the European automotive industry. And we will create substantial numbers of jobs as a result. This is a clear win-win situation for everyone.”

Additional technical and economic analysis by the Commission indicates that the 2020 targets are achievable, according to a statement, and will also cost substantially less than previously thought.

The savings for consumers, meanwhile, could average €2904-3836 over the lifetime of a car, with a €340 saving in fuel costs in the first year alone.

Vans will tot up even larger savings of around €400 in the first year of ownership and €3363-4564 over the vehicle lifetime.

Across the whole EU, the savings will add up to some €30 billion a year in fuel costs, while increasing GDP by €12 billion annually and employment spending by €9 billion.

The proposals will now go before the European Parliament and the Council for adoption before coming into force in time for the first 2015 target for cars.

For further information:
ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/vehicles/cars/index_en.htm
ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/vehicles/vans/index_en.htm

11 July 2012

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