EU Parliament passes new car CO2 legislation

Average CO₂ emissions from new cars must be slashed to 130g/km by 2015, the equivalent of achieving 58mpg with a diesel engine and 52mpg in a petrol car.

The EU new car CO₂ legislation passed by the European parliament today sets out a tough programme for car manufacturers with 65% of new cars averaging the 130g/km target by 2012, 75% by 2013, 80% by 2014 and 100% by 2015. An additional 10g/km must be achieved by complementary measures like alternative fuels and tyre pressure monitoring systems. Manufacturers exceeding the targets will be heavily fined per additional gram of CO₂ emitted, for every car registered across Europe.

Small volume (below 10,000 units per year) will have tough individual targets set while niche manufacturers (10,000 to 300,000 units per year) are expected to deliver a 25% reduction of the 2007 figure. With the UK home to more than ten small volume and niche manufacturers, the provision serves to protect the diversity and dynamism of the sector. Commenting, SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said:

"This is an ambitious piece of legislation presenting a tough challenge to the automotive industry. We share the environmental objectives and welcome the long-term framework the legislation sets out."

"The sector has already made significant progress in improving the environmental impact of its products and this legislation places an even greater premium on innovation, skills and training in order to meet these commitments. At a time of economic uncertainty, it underlines the importance of long-term investment in the sector."

At €20 bn, the automotive sector is Europe's largest investor in R&D, driving industry forward and helping deliver more sustainable motoring for the 21st century. Technological innovation has helped car and CV manufacturers slash CO₂ and air quality emissions from vehicles. New diesel cars for example emit 95% less soot from the tailpipe than those made 15 years ago and average new car CO₂ has been cut by 16% since 1997.

The energy needed to produce each vehicle is down 12%, water use is down 9% and waste to landfill is down 25%, compared to 2006 performance.  CO₂ emissions per vehicle produced have fallen 14% in the last year and by 45% since 1999. Almost 10,000 tonnes of waste have been prevented from entering landfill sites.