ACEA report on European car industry says new CO2 limits would be unwelcome
Tue 19 May 2009
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ACEA, the European association which includes 15 of Europe's leading car makers, has issued a new report on the state of the European industry which is critical of the introduction of new limits on carbon dioxide in the 'present economic climate'.
Though the industry association says it is 'fully committed' to meeting the regulated CO2 targets it remains critical of the "disproportionate" fines, for failing to meet the targets, "remain a matter of concern" and that these "represent an additional burden for an industry already battling job losses and production cuts across the EU".
ACEA says that the 'auto industry is characterised by long development and production cycles. "It is therefore encouraging that the new car CO2 regulation provides some flexibility in implementation".
Calls for a slowdown in the rate of environmental legislation due to the economic recesion were made earlier this year but rejected by EU industry ministers. However, the Commission has since hinted that it is delaying some environmental proposals on vans and EU car labelling because of the economic pressures.
The ACEA report (which can be downloaded via the associated link) says: "Policy makers have a responsibility to protect the interests of citizens and safeguard the natural environment. but they are also responsible or creating an environment in which businesses thrive. The interdependent nature of both objectives is today perhaps more evident than ever".
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