The European Commission has proposed a mandatory target for new cars of a maximum of 130 grammes CO2 per kilometre by 2012. However, it looks like the legislative framework will not be in place before 2009, by which time the 2012 models are already on the drawing boards. The industry will need until 2015 to implement the required changes, said President Marchionne at the annual reception of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) in Brussels last week.

Decreasing car emissions will be the result of incremental improvements in engine efficiency, improved aerodynamics and reduced vehicle weight, Marchionne expects. Stop-start technology, gear shift indicators, tyre pressure indicators and efficient air conditioning will become fuel saving standard equipment.

The car industry insists that developing more fuel efficient cars is only one way of reducing vehicle emissions. Improved traffic management, use of biofuels, a more economic driving style and CO2 taxation are other factors working in the same direction.

More information:

‘European automobile manufacturers demand cost-effective policy to cut carbon emissions from cars’ on ACEA website