German auto industry body VDIK has criticised the lack of common European passenger car energy labeling.
It said German labeling was unreasonable for dealers and consumers following the announcement of its introduction at last week’s electromobility summit in Berlin.
The body is calling for a uniform standard across Europe and says labeling cars differently from country to country has led to a “patchwork” situation.
“There is no logical explanation for a specific vehicle model to potentially be classed and labeled differently from one European country to another because the underlying criteria are different,” said VDIK president Volker Lange.
“Such an approach is unreasonable for both consumers and dealers. Our frequently reiterated arguments for a Europe-wide harmonisation of energy labeling for passenger cars has got lost in political [activism]. Had the VDIK, which represents a strong passenger car market share of around 35%, been invited early on to participate in the [discussions], this would undoubtedly have led to greater clarity. Unfortunately, this was once again not the case.”
The VDIK added that C02 emissions and fuel consumption labeling has existed since 2004 and that it has become an important tool for consumers when purchasing vehicles.
But any changes in labeling not implemented at a European level would place “unnecessary strain” on dealerships with no discernible benefits for consumers.
German chancellor Angela Merkel launched the German electromobility national plan in Berlin last week.
The government has set the ambitious target of putting 1m electric vehicles on the country’s roads by 2020 and has established a ‘basic conditions’ working group to achieve its aim.
