New LCV CO2 targets announced by European Parliament04 March 2011

Targets for short- and long-term CO2 emissions for light commercial vehicles have been announced by the European Parliament.

The limits are 175g/km CO2 in the short-term and 147g/km CO2 long-term.

The SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) has given the news a cautious welcome.

"Industry is pleased that the European Parliament has come to a decision on CO2 emission targets for LCVs, as vehicle manufacturers are committed to lowering emissions as part of ongoing introductions of low, lower and ultra-low carbon vehicles," comments SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.

"The UK is well placed to capitalise on low carbon technologies and manufacturers now need government to demonstrate its support for sustained investment in skills, R&D and capital equipment," he adds.

The LCV legislation mirrors the new car CO2 regulation, where each manufacturer has its own overall European fleet average emissions target. Each manufacturer's target is based on the weight of each new LCV it registers in the EU in a given year.

The initial target timeframe for the short-term has been set from 2014 to 2017. During this time, there will be various phases, including: 70%, 75% and 80% of each manufacturers' fleet complying in 2014—16 respectively, and 100% from 2017 onwards.

Looking at longer-term (2020) targets, a figure of 147g/km is set to be confirmed in a review in 2013.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd

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