The FIA's extensive CO2 modelling has recognised that the European Commission's latest proposal to reduce CO2 emissions to 130g/km is realistic and achievable.
The FIA welcomes the Commission’s proposal on vehicle CO2 emissions. It’s clear from the CO2 model that without this action the EU would fall far short of the 2012 targets already in place.
The model developed by FIA member ADAC looks at the effect of different factors such as the share of different fuel types, consumer demand patterns, and technological developments, on average fleet emissions by 2012.
Complementary technology and consumer action to help tackle emissions are key recommendations of the FIA’s Make Cars Green declaration which has received unanimous backing from motoring organisations across the world. It is encouraging that the Commission has recognised that these two recommendations could lead to a further saving of 10g/km. To make this happen, the Commission must ensure that the right incentives are put in place.
Reaching 120g/km by 2012 will greatly contribute to the EU's environmental commitment, but with the global car market set to double by 2012, the EU must recognise that global problems cannot be solved by regional approaches alone.
FIA President Max Mosley said:
"The FIA considers that a serious rethink on fuel economy and C02 reduction is required across the motor vehicle sector worldwide. The FIA is proposing a global framework which will create a level playing field allowing manufacturers and governments across different markets and regions to work together on this problem."
As part of the 'Make Cars Green' declaration the FIA is calling for a worldwide benchmark of 140g/km, to make it possible to assess progress on fuel efficiency and CO2 reduction across the global fleet.
If the Commission backed such a proposal it would allow the technological improvements made in Europe to be made available on the global car market, and have a far larger effect on the reduction of levels of CO2 worldwide .
