Regulating CO2 emissions of new cars

Over the next two to two-and-a-half years the EU will take critical decisions on the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions of new cars sold in the European market.

The importance of these decisions for the future state of Europe and the World cannot be overstated.

Tackling fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of new cars is the single most effective policy measure the EU can take to simultaneously tackle climate change, reduce dependence on oil, and to spur investment in low-carbon car technologies in Europe and elsewhere.

It is also a litmus test of the EU’s credibility on climate change policy. Is Europe prepared to take the practical domestic measures needed to achieve a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 20-30% by 2020 ?

Finally, the decisions on vehicle standards taken in Europe, the world’s largest new car market, already have a large impact on the largest market of the future, Asia. The impact of this EU policy will, in short, be global as other regions follow European legislation.

We sincerely hope European decision makers will see the huge environmental and strategic benefits of strong action, and act accordingly.