News

The European Commission (EC) today announced new legislation limiting the average CO₂ emissions of new vans to 175g/km.

Initially, the EC's target was for manufacturers to reduce their average fleet emissions to 175g/km by 2012, but following intense lobbying by major manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Fiat and Renault, the EC moved the deadline back four years to 2016 to enable the market to recover.

In addition, the  EC has imposed tighter restrictions on CO₂ emissions beyond the 2016 deadline – van-makers will be required to hit a target of 135g/km by 2020.

EU van sales were down 25.4% in September according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association and account for 10% of all Europe's automobile sales.

The EC will impose hefty penalties for non-compliance, and manufacturers who overstep the mark face fines of up to €120 (£108) per vehicle sold.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, says manufacturers will struggle to invest in the new products necessary to meet these targets during the downturn. “Industry needs sufficient lead times and reasonable targets to provide affordable products. These must be fit for purpose as business tools. In the current economic climate, the EU regulation must maintain the sector’s diversity  while encouraging innovation and the move to low carbon models.”