French representatives at the European Union (EU) have today (30th September) proposed phasing in planned CO2 emission curbs for automakers up to 2015.

The executive Commission in Brussels has put forward the suggestion of reducing CO2 emissions to 130g/km by 2012 - an 18 per cent reduction from current levels.

In addition, a further 10g would be cut through improved tyres, gears and air-conditioning, while non-compliance would be addressed with the handing out of tough fines.

However, France, which is the current EU presidency holder, has proposed that manufacturers should be required to bring 60 per cent of their fleets in line by 2012, with full compliance achieved by 2015.

Furthermore, French delegates have suggested that a new target of cutting emissions to 95-110g/km by 2020 could be pencilled in, with 7g attained through new initiatives such as solar panels fitted on roofs.

It was suggested last week under similar circumstances that the executive Commission proposals could be relaxed, but the European Parliament environment committee voted against the notion, claiming that the changes would be too soft on automakers.



Source:

France proposes phasing in CO2 curbs for cars (30/09/08)
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