A delay in implementing new European Commission (EC) CO2 emissions targets could be the result of a meeting next Monday (14 October) of environment ministers in Luxembourg.
It appears the UK, Germany and France, want to hold further discussions concerning the ambitious aim of the Commission to lower CO2 emissions to 95g/km for cars and 147g/km for vans from 2020.
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“Member States are positioning themselves, Germany, the UK and France in particular, are discussing the way forward,” a spokesman for the EC climate change portfolio, told just-auto from Brussels.
“It might well be the proposal is put for a vote and if that is the case we will see [if] this delay as proposed by some countries, materialises.”
The issue has been given particular impetus in Berlin, with the country’s production of premium models and only last month, Germany’s automotive industry association, VDA, urged the EC not to ‘endanger’ job creation by excessive C02 regulation.
“We have some concerns regarding the practicality of these proposals and consequences for innovation in the car industry,” a German Transport Ministry spokeswoman told just-auto from Berlin.
The Ministry confirmed the Luxembourg meeting of EC environment politicians next week, but the subject is slightly complicated for Germany in that the make-up of the new government following the recent general election, has still to be finalised.
It may not be Germany is represented in Luxembourg by its Environment Minister, but Berlin will send a top-ranking delegation nonetheless to the discussions as its domestic political structure is finalised.
New C02 proposals have however, been endorsed by the European automotive supplier body, CLEPA, which counters the lower targets will stimulate innovation and create highly skilled jobs in engineering and advanced manufacturing.
“CLEPA believes the 95 g/km for cars and 147 g/km for vans targets are the best compromise between costs and CO2 emission reductions and they will help strengthening the competitive advantage of the European automotive industry,” said CLEPA CEO, Jean-Marc Gales.
“The retention of super credits and eco-innovation for low emission vehicles will boost the development of breakthrough technologies.”
Further details concerning Germany’s position are expected later from the Transport Ministry.
