ACEA

Copenhagen: Automakers reaffirm commitment to sustainable mobility

European automakers re-affirm their commitment to sustainable mobility at the heart of their business strategies.

The industry will continue to drive forward in a spirit of collaboration and openness, carrying the message that a vibrant automotive sector will help drive innovation in support of the low-carbon economy of tomorrow.

Progress today

In the last twenty years, CO2 emissions from cars and commercial vehicles have come down dramatically. Data from car sales reveal a drop of almost 20% since 1995; similar improvements in efficiency have been reported in the heaviest trucks. The Commission has acknowledged this progress and the fact that investment in vehicle technology has been its primary driver. More policy makers now appreciate that, to achieve further significant cuts from road transport, society must look beyond vehicle technology alone. This is called the integrated approach.

Progress tomorrow

In-vehicle technology will continue to play a role, particularly in the development of inter-connected transport networks. But governments must now also involve more cost-effective means of driving down CO2, such as eco-driving, joined-up fiscal incentives and the development of alternative fuels and renewable energies as well as their infrastructure. Investments in road infrastructure and measures to facilitate traffic flow present further practical means to minimise CO2 emissions. Auto makers are now working towards tough 2012 targets on CO2 for new cars and further goals set for 2020. The industry also looks forward to consulting on the EU Project on Transport GHG: Routes to 2050. Finding means to develop efficient transport networks, instead of choosing between complementary transport modes, should underscore a vision for tomorrow.

Driving demand in a recession

Measures to stimulate demand have come into sharp focus during the economic crisis. But replacing older vehicles with latest cars and trucks, benefits the environment as well as supporting the wider economy. Thirteen countries have now implemented fleet renewal schemes, described as scrappage schemes in many countries, ensuring more of the safest, cleanest new vehicles enter European roads.

What are the challenges?

• Sustainable mobility is about moving people and goods across Europe in the most efficient way, cutting emissions and saving fuel. That means access to the most appropriate transport mode or modes and investing in the technology, infrastructure and management systems that encourage free movement.
• It means improving road safety by building on investment in vehicle technology, focusing on better road design, improved driver education and strong enforcement by the authorities.
• Sustainable mobility is about ensuring consumers have real choices, but also encouraging them to buy the most suitable vehicle for their needs and educating them in eco-driving techniques to cut unnecessary pollution and save money.
• In the manufacture of vehicles, it means finding more sustainable materials in vehicle manufacturing, improving logistics in the supply chain to cut unnecessary waste, and designing more parts to be recycled at the end of their lives rather than being sent to landfill.
• Crucially, during these times of economic recession, sustainable mobility means designing a regulatory framework that allows Europe’s vibrant auto industry to go on innovating and delivering the technologies and low-emission vehicles for a sustainable future.

Global auto makers host seminar at climate change conference, Copenhagen

• Click here for more information

last updated 04/12/2009

Go back