ACEA

Legislative framework to limit CO2 from cars should be cost-effective and grant sufficient preparation time

Legislative framework to limit CO2 from cars should be cost-effective
and grant sufficient preparation time

(ENG version - GER version)

A future policy framework to limit CO2 emissions from cars should be cost-effective; the European automotive industry deserves better recognition for its environmental track record and the industry needs sufficient preparation time ahead of a legislative framework on CO2. These are the main messages of a keynote speech by Sergio Marchionne, President of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association and CEO of Fiat, delivered today at the ACEA annual reception in Brussels. Marchionne outlined what the vehicle industry can realistically contribute to reduce further carbon emissions from cars.

“The car industry demands a cost-effective policy to reduce further CO2 emissions from cars. A combination of traffic management, the use of biofuels, a more economic driving style, CO2-related taxation and improvements in vehicle technology will lead to better results for the environment, without endangering jobs in the EU”, said Marchionne. “There can be no doubt that the industry does its share. We are not walking away from our responsibility.”

The recent proposal from the European Commission, which demands a mandatory target for new cars of 130 grammes CO2 emissions per kilometre by 2012, is too costly and will force the industry out of Europe, said Marchionne. The proposal focuses excessively on vehicle technology. This is against the recommendations from the High-level Group CARS 21, which judged that only the combined efforts from all involved would improve both the environmental performance of cars and the competitive strength of the industry. CARS 21 included the Commissioners Verheugen, Barrot and Dimas, plus representatives from the car industry, the European Parliament, national governments and other stakeholders. “The current proposal is unbalanced, inadequate and economically inefficient. That is our main objection”, said Marchionne.

Furthermore, the announced legislative framework will most likely not be ready before 2009. By then, the cars of 2012 will have left the drawing tables. “A legislative process cannot be disconnected from our long-term planning of model changes. The industry must be given lead-time to meeting any new requirements until 2015 at the earliest”, said Marchionne. Granting proper lead-time is common procedure for products as complex and innovative as cars, in the EU and abroad. The Japanese government has set new CO2 emission goals in 2006, translating into a target for vehicle technology of 138 grammes CO2 per kilometre by 2015.

Marchionne called for better recognition of the European manufacturers’ past, current and future efforts. Between 1995 and 2005, the European automobile industry has reduced emissions from new cars by over 13% or, in absolute terms, 25 grammes of CO2. However, persistent low demand for fuel- efficiency, a market trend towards larger cars and an accumulation of conflicting EU regulations had a huge impact on cars. “Translated in CO2 emissions, their counter-productive effect adds up to almost 15 grammes. In reality, the car industry has managed a reduction of almost 40 grammes. We do not get any acknowledgement for this achievement, and that should change”, said Marchionne. ”Reducing CO2
emissions is a complex challenge. It is important to learn from previous experiences. I believe our Commitment and our achievements in that context hold important findings to be used in designing any future policy on car regulations and CO2.”

The car industry has an unwavering commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and will continue making efforts. Marchionne: “There is no “one solution” to cut carbon emissions from cars. On the short term, progress will be the cumulative result of incremental steps in engine technology, improved aerodynamics and reduced vehicle weight.” The European manufacturers will keep improving fuel- efficiency with every new model entering the market. And they will gradually standardise available technologies such as stop-start, gear-shift indicators, tyre pressure monitors and efficient air- conditioning. “By 2015 – looking back at where we are today – we will see another significant reduction in carbon emissions from cars, comparable to the one delivered between 1995 and 2005”, said Marchionne. On the longer term, an evolution towards lower or even zero carbon engines will result in further CO2 reductions.

ACEA represents the thirteen major European car, truck and bus manufacturers. They provide direct employment to 2.3 million people and support the job of another 10 million employees. Members are: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, DaimlerChrysler, FIAT, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania, Volkswagen and Volvo Trucks.

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