Rochdale MEP accuses company bosses of breaking agreement

Date published: 26/10/2006

Speaking in a parliamentary debate in Strasbourg this week, Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Chris Davies accused company bosses of breaking their voluntary agreement with the EU and putting profits before the need to tackle global warming.

The failure of motor manufacturers to design less polluting cars has led to an EU announcement that legislation will be introduced to lower emissions from new cars.

Legislation to curb CO2 emissions from new cars will be introduced by the EU, Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas told MEPs in Strasbourg this week.
 
Until now the Commission has held back from making a definitive statement, saying that it would only move from a 'carrot' to a 'stick' approach if motor manufacturers failed to demonstrate that they would meet voluntary reduction targets.
 
An official assessment is due to be published in December but a study by pressure group Transport amp; Environment (T&E) yesterday claimed that 75% of manufacturers selling cars in Europe have failed to improve fuel efficiency at the rate needed.
 
In 1998 the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) promised to reduce average CO2 emissions from new cars to no more than 140 grams per kilometre by 2008.  However, current emissions continue to exceed 160g/km.
 
Chris Davies said: "In their private boardrooms they looked at the figures, recognised that they could make more profits out of gas guzzling SUVs and 4WDs, and deliberately decided not to fulfil the commitment.
 
"They have failed to show good faith and it is now time for the Commission to clamp down hard.  We need tough action."
 
Responding, Commissioner Dimas pointed out that transport is responsible for 22% of all EU emissions
 
He said: "This year the Commission will review the possibilities for further reductions of carbon dioxide emissions from cars after 2008-2009, with a view to meeting the Community target of 120g of CO2 per kilometre by 2012.
 
"That will, of course, require legislation." (Quoted from Parliament's official report)
 
A report for the European Commission published lat year showed that the cost of meeting the EU's 2012 target would add £577 to the price of a new car.  However, the result would give drivers fuel savings worth more than £1,000 over three years.