ACEA

Davies (MEP) does not address real issues regarding CO2-emission reduction from cars

Brussels, 17/07/2007 - This week the European Parliament Environment Committee will debate the draft Davies’ report on further reducing CO2 emissions from cars. Davies’ report recognises the need for sufficient lead-time for the European automotive industry . The targets for CO2 emission reductions from cars mentioned, however, are far too stringent. Furthermore, Davies’ report focusses only on vehicle technology, disregarding the need for a combination of efforts and measures to achieve better, cost-effective results for the environment, the industry and society as a whole.

Davies’ suggestions to ban certain types of cars and limit the speed of cars come close to political symbolism; they do not address the relevant issues with regard to reducing CO2 emission from cars. The European car manufacturers support an integrated approach combining further improved vehicle technology with a wider use of biofuels, better traffic management, eco-driving and CO2 related taxation.

Biofuels can make substantial contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Figures from the European Climate Change Programme show that an increased use of biofuel by just 1% will already cut CO2 emissions by 3.1 to 4.0 illion tonnes in 2012, which is the equivalent of 5 grammes CO2 per kilometre.

Infrastructure adjustments and intelligent traffic management are equally important and necessary, as tonnes of CO2 could be saved by reducing bottlenecks. The Japanese government has decided to cut 28 million tonnes of CO2 through infrastructure adjustments such as dynamic traffic lights, lower road rolling resistance, and others. This approach affects the whole car fleet.

Eco-driving (shifting gear earlier, anticipating traffic flow, turn off engines at short stops) can achieve fuel-savings of 10% per driver.

In addition, a European system of CO2 related taxation of cars and of alternative fuels is needed to shape the demand for and the use of cars. Eleven EU member states have now introduced such schemes nationally, but systems differ greatly which leads to market distortion. Only a harmonised or coordinated taxation system will make a difference.

Fleet renewal would also contribute significantly. Thanks to improvements in technology, emissions from new car have decreased by over 13% in the last decade. The majority of emissions is caused by the ageing fleet, traffic congestion and increased mileage. Future EU policy needs to address all factors involved.

In addition, a European system of CO2 related taxation of cars and of alternative fuels is needed to shape the demand for and the use of cars. Eleven EU member states have now introduced such schemes nationally, but systems differ greatly which leads to market distortion. Only a harmonised or coordinated taxation system will make a difference.  Fleet renewal would also contribute significantly. Thanks to improvements in technology, emissions from new car have decreased by over 13% in the last decade. The majority of emissions is caused by the ageing fleet, traffic congestion and increased mileage. Future EU policy needs to address all factors involved.

Note to the editor: According to a study of the German federal environment agency, reducing the speed limit to 120 km/h would lead to a 0.3% reduction in CO2 emissions.. Maximum speed limitation has a limited environmental effect because in most EU countries a speed limit is in place. Even in Germany average speed does not exceed 122 km/h, due to regional limits and traffic circumstances. Furthermore, the large majority of kilometres in the EU are driven on local and regional roads. 

Contrary to Davies’ remarks, the ability to drive at higher speed as such does not make cars heavier. All cars comply with the same, high safety standards, as demanded by the manufacturers, consumers and EU law.  ACEA represents the thirteen major European vehicle manufacturers. At the heart of the European industry, the automotive sector is the leading employer in manufacturing in the EU. The car industry provides increasingly high-skilled jobs to 2.3 million Europeans and indirectly supports another 10 million employees in related sectors. Europe is the world’s largest vehicle producer. Of the almost 50 million passenger cars produced globally, 33% are manufactured in the EU. The ACEA members yearly invest 4% of turnover (euro 20 billion) in R&D.

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