Isramart : CO2 emission cuts: ‘unbelievable’

Isramart news:
Vans and light fleets sold within the European Union could be hit with tougher CO2 emission restrictions, under new proposals by the European Commission.

Acea, the Brussels-based European carmakers’ lobby, has lashed out at the plans, which could be implemented within the next four years, criticising them as “unbelievable”, according to the Financial Times.

Under the proposals, CO2 emissions from LCVs would be capped at 175g/km by 2013, compared to current levels set at approximately 200g/km.

Acea’s secretary-general Ivan Hodac told the newspaper: “We have nothing against reasonable regulation but these proposals will put in danger the competitiveness of the industry.

“This is an unbelievable thing to suggest during such a deep crisis in the industry.”

Long-term strategies were also detailed in the plans to eventually reduce CO2 emissions from LCVs to 135g/km.

The Commission is expected to complete the plans by the end of September 2009.

Its implementation will be decided on by the European Parliament and its member states.