In a compromise between car industry manufacturing interests and the environment, a new deal has been hammered out in Brussels that will mean ever more fuel-efficient cars are likely to hit the roads in future.
The meeting agreed to 2020 car emissions targets of 95g carbon dioxide per km of average emissions for each new car produced in Europe.
Who were the players?
All nation-states in the European Union were represented at the negotiations. However, as the pre-eminent European car-manufacturing nation with luxury brands such as BMW and Mercedes to look after, Germany took the lead in arguing for greater average emissions compared to other countries.
However, the current EU President, Ireland and other smaller nations such as Denmark argued for lower emissions to ensure a greater emphasis on the technological advancement of fuel-efficient vehicles.
Why are targets needed?
Car manufacturers argue that the R&D expense needed for technology to keep up with emissions targets is too costly. On the other hand, most politicians accept the findings of climate scientists that show the world will continue to heat up if carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
It is feared that if world temperatures increase, unpredictable weather events (which we’re already seeing) could ultimately bring about catastrophe for the planet.
What are these emissions targets?
Each car manufacturer is assigned a target which is in line with their production figures and past emissions cuts. If this target is breached, the company could expect a fine from the EU and the attendant negative publicity that will accompany it.
However, the incentive for manufacturers to take part comes in the form of ‘supercredits’. These allow manufacturers to develop new technologies such as electric cars, with each one produced being counted as double that of a conventional vehicle in terms of emission targets met.
What do the targets mean?
Because manufacturers know they have to reduce the average new car emission from around 147 g per km at present to a much lower 95 g per km by 2020, they know fuel-efficiency will be key to remaining profitable.
Car producers will use lighter materials for the bodywork and more efficient and advanced electronics. Designs will be more aerodynamically streamlined and engines will be more compact.
Expect to see many more fuel-efficient conventional vehicles, as well as hybrids and all-electric cars hitting the roads across the European Union. This means that despite the year-on-year hike in petrol prices at the pumps, drivers who buy new cars should expect to spend less on refuelling, as their cars will require less petrol.
How do I benefit
From the latest Ford Fiesta to the ever-popular Prius, there is a range of environmentally sound yet top-performing new cars available on the market. And if you need to know more about financing your new environmentally friendly car just click here for more information.
Photo by Toyota Motor Europe