After a month of ‘trialogue’ discussions, a compromise agreement to reduce CO2 emissions from new vehicles was reached by EU lawmakers in the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament on 1 December.
The compromise backs the Commission’s proposed target of CO2 emissions limits of 120g/km for 65 per cent of new cars in 2012, rising to 75 per cent in 2013, 80 per cent in 2014 and 100 per cent in 2015.
A target of 130g/km is to be reached by improvements in vehicle motor technology. It is planned that an additional reduction of 10g/km will come from measures such as an increased use of biofuels and better tyres, to reach a target overall average emission limit in the EU of 120g/ km.
Another component of the deal is reduced fines until 2019 for carmakers that breach the limits. Between 2012 and 2018, the fine will be €5 for the first gram of CO2, rising to €15 for the second gram, €25 for the third and €95 from the fourth gram onwards. From 2019 manufacturers will have to pay €95 for each gram exceeding the target.
The agreement still needs to be approved by the Parliament’s political groups and member states but it is thought that the House’s final adoption of the proposal is imminent.
