Car makers fuel emissions debate

The European Commission proposed on Wednesday a strategy to curb carbon dioxide (CO²) emissions from cars as a way to combat global warming.

The proposals, which still must be backed with legislation, would force carmakers to cut CO² emissions from new cars to an industry average of 130g per km by 2012 from around 163 g/km now.

Along with expanded use of biofuels and other technical measures, this could cut overall emissions from new cars to an average 120 g/km. The Commission had originally floated the tougher 120 g/km goal as the binding target for carmakers.

Here is how manufacturers, environmentalists and government officials saw the news:

Jos Dings, Director of environmental group transport & environment:

Today's announcement finally recognises, ten years late, that regulation is needed on CO 2 emissions just as it is on safety and other forms of air pollution from cars.

Toyota:

Although we have not seen the Commission's communication, we share the objective of reducing CO2 emissions from passenger cars. Any new target below 140g/km, coming so soon after 2009, will represent a very challenging task for carmakers. Therefore, we see this as a responsibility to be shared with all stakeholders.

PSA Peugeot Citroen, CEO Christian Streiff:

The European ambition, overall we support it. The move to the ecological car of the future is a key pillar of PSA's future

Claud Turmes, Greens party MEP:

By scaling back its proposals on CO² emissions from cars, the Commission has once again confirmed that the bottom line of the German car industry takes priority over tackling climate change.

At least the proposal has not abandoned the principle of binding limits to hold the industry responsible for its emissions - the voluntary approach clearly failed to stop the industry from rolling out gas guzzlers.

Renault

He said the CO² proposals would cost carmakers on average an extra €3000 per vehicle and it remained to be seen how that extra cost would be borne out.