The voluntary agreement between Swiss car industry and the Swiss transport ministry set up to deliver improved fuel consumption has failed to meet its target.
The agreement signed in 2002 set a target for the average car registered in Switzerland of 6.4 litres per 100km by the end of 2008. The figure was 7.14 litres, which is down by 3.9% on 2007 but slow progress in earlier years means Swiss cars are still using too much fuel. Switzerland has no car makers on its own soil so the figures reflect international trends, and the failure of Switzerland to keep enough gas guzzlers out of the country.
EPP candidate Tzitzikostas drew a line under the EU electric cars debate, saying supporting industry – not weakening targets – is the way forward.
The fate of Europe’s biggest carmaker depends on how quickly it can switch to electric.
The EU proposal to maximise the efficient use of resources in the car sector is welcome, but some improvements are needed.