ACEA

European Parliament’s Environment Committee gives wrong signal

Brussels, 25/09/2008 The European automobile manufacturers are disappointed by the outcome of the vote, today, in the Environment Committee of the European Parliament on the legislative proposal to reduce CO2 emissions from cars.

“The MEPs missed the opportunity to help shape a realistic framework for the car industry enabling manufacturers to continue contributing to the CO2 reduction objectives of the EU to the best of their ability and with all the innovative might they possess”, said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). “The European car industry calls on legislators to refrain from threatening the future of car production in Europe. The Environment Committee has given a wrong signal today. This is bad news for Europe, especially with the overall economic circumstances deteriorating already.”

The opinion of the Environment Committee stands in diametrical contrast to the vote, earlier this month, in the Industry Committee. It is now up to the plenary session of the European Parliament, and to the Member States to strike a balance between environmental protection and economic growth and employment, all of which are of equal interest to the European society.

“The car industry fully supports a European policy on the reduction of CO2 from cars, but it is essential legislators address the restraints the manufacturers face in fulfilling the requirements. They should take into account the nature of car manufacturing and recognise the need to influence consumer demand”, said Hodac. “The auto industry has a lot to offer and its huge efforts should be encouraged, not opposed.”

New car technology has delivered major CO2 reductions and will continue to be a major contributor to CO2 emission reductions. European legislators need to provide a legislative framework that combines the benefits of new technologies with measures to increase the use of alternative fuels, enhance infrastructure efficiency, improve driver training and shape consumer demand through harmonised taxation schemes. This will lead to larger cost-effective CO2 reductions quicker, while safeguarding manufacturing and employment in Europe.

The European automotive industry is key to the strength and competitiveness of Europe. The ACEA members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, FIAT, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, Jaguar Land Rover, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania,
Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen and Volvo. They provide direct employment to more than
2.3 million people and support another 10 million jobs in related sectors. Annually, ACEA members invest €20 billion in R&D, or 4% of turnover.

For further information, please contact Sigrid de Vries, Director Communications, ACEA +32 2 738 73 45 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Please also visit http://www.acea.be

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