European Commission

Public consultation on the implementation of the renewed strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles

On 7th February 2007 the European Commission published its parallel communications on the “Results of the review of the Community Strategy to reduce CO2 emission from passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles” and on the “Competitive Automotive Regulatory Framework for the 21st Century” . As outlined in these communications, the Commission decided to pursue an integrated approach with a view to reaching the EU objective of 120 g/km carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from average new cars by 2012.

More specifically, the Commission proposed the following:

“The Commission will pursue an integrated approach with a view to reaching the EU objective of 120 g/km CO2 by 2012. This can be achieved through a combination of EU and Member States action. The Commission will propose a legislative framework, if possible in 2007 and at latest by mid 2008, to achieve the EU objective of 120 g/km CO2, focusing on mandatory reductions of the emissions of CO2 to reach the objective of 130 g/km for the average new car fleet by means of improvements in vehicle motor technology, and a further reduction of 10 g/km of CO2, or equivalent if technically necessary, by other technological improvements and by an increased use of bio-fuels, specifically:

1. setting minimum efficiency requirements for air-conditioning systems;
2. the compulsory fitting of accurate tyre pressure monitoring systems;
3. setting maximum tyre rolling resistance limits in the EU for tyres fitted on passenger cars and light commercial vehicles;
4. the use of gear shift indicators, taking into account the extent to which such devices are used by consumers in real driving conditions;
5. fuel efficiency progress in light-commercial vehicles (vans) with the objective of reaching 175 g/km CO2 by 2012 and 160 g/km CO2 by 2015;
6. increased use of bio fuels maximizing environmental performance.

The above will be measurable, monitorable, accountable and non double-counting the reductions of CO2.

Beyond the legislative framework, the Commission strategy to reduce CO2 should encourage additional efforts by other means of road transport (heavy duty vehicles, etc.), by the Member States (CO2 related taxation and other fiscal incentives, use of public procurement, traffic management, infrastructure, etc.) and by the consumers (informed choice as a buyer, responsible driving behaviour).”

This initiative should be seen in the broader context of the fight against climate change. Cars are an important part of the everyday lives of a large number of Europeans. However, car use has significant impacts on climate change insofar as it accounts for 12 % of the overall EU emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). Consequently, the European Union has committed itself to ambitious greenhouse gas reduction and energy efficiency improvement targets to which all relevant sectors of the economy should contribute.

For further information on the process leading from the consultation to the adoption of the final legislation, click here: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/transport/co2/co2_home.htm