ACEA

Yes. Within the European Climate Change Programme, the independent scientific institute TNO assessed in 2006 the costs and CO2 reduction potential of different measures, including vehicle technology, biofuels and infrastructure (click here to review the study) The costs of moving towards 120 gCO2/km by 2012 through vehicle technology were calculated to be around Euro 3600 on average per vehicle. The costs of going to 130 are still prohibitively high with around euro 3000 per vehicle, endangering production in Europe.

Societal costs: Taking into account the price of technology and the fuel savings for consumers, the TNO institute set the societal costs of emission cuts through vehicle technology at between â?¬132 and â?¬233 per reduced tonne of CO2, depending on the oil price. This is up to ten times more expensive than similar or even more effective measures such as an increased use of biofuels and adopting an economic driving style..

Cost-effectiveness is key: The most relevant question is: what is the most cost-effective way to achieve the maximum result in reducing CO2 emissions from cars? Cost-analysis of independent researchers shows that reducing CO2-emissions through vehicle technology only is most expensive and least cost-effective for the industry and for society as a whole, that is, including the environment. For less money, larger CO2-emission reductions can be achieved.

Combining efforts: That is why the industry proposes to combine different methods, including changing driver behaviour, infrastructure measures, alternative fuels, CO2-related taxation and vehicle technology. The industry is not walking away from its responsibility. Climate change is a serious problem, which needs to be tackled together.