Carmakers behind on emissions targets

The European Commission has pledged to introduce legislation, "if necessary", to bring new car CO2 emissions down to 120 grams per kilometre (g/km) by 2012. Though the wording of the Commission’s energy efficiency action plan, put forward last week (19 October), stops short of promising legislation, even admitting the possibility of binding CO2 targets is a step forward from an environmental perspective.

Until now the Commission has relied on a voluntary agreement, under which the car industry will bring average emissions down to 140g/km by 2008 and 120g/km by 2012.

But the latest annual Commission figures show that, in 2004, emissions still hovered around 161g/km for European cars. Now, according to the action plan, "should it become clear that the voluntary commitments of the car industry to reach 140g CO2/km by 2008/9 will not be honoured, the Commission will not hesitate to propose legislation".

A long-term strategy on meeting the 2012 target is expected before the end of the year. The Commission also promises minimum efficiency requirements for car air conditioning and improved tyre pressure monitoring systems.

The voluntary deal only aims to bring average emission rates down in Europe, leaving room for some car brands to emit more than others. Green groups have, however, started increasing the pressure on all car manufacturers to come down to 140g/km. Statistics released by T&E, the conservation group, yesterday (25 October) for the first time look at average emissions from new cars made by all 20 major car brands sold in Europe.

The green lobbyists conclude that three quarters of these manufacturers are not reducing emissions fast enough to hit the 2008 target.

T&E compares emissions today with levels from each manufacturer in 1997 - the year the 140g/km target was agreed. Based on this comparison, the environmental group judges that only Fiat, Citroën, Renault, Ford and Peugeot are progressing at an annual rate fast enough to hit the target.

Companies including Seat and Skoda look closer to the target than some of their competitors but, thanks to their low average annual emissions reduction rate, T&E says these brands have run out of time.

According to T&E: "Nissan is the worst performer in Europe followed by Suzuki, Mazda, Audi, Volvo, BMW and Volkswagen. These seven brands all cut emissions at less than half the rate needed to meet their commitment."

The European Commission has pledged to introduce legislation, "if necessary", to bring new car CO2 emissions down to 120 grams per kilometre (g/km) by 2012. Though the wording of the Commission’s energy efficiency action plan, put forward last week (19 October), stops short of promising legislation, even admitting the possibility of binding CO2 targets is a step forward from an environmental perspective.