Suppression Of Programs Confirmed

The European Commission has today confirmed plans to force automakers to reduce tailpipe emissions by 18 percent over the next five years.

As predicted exclusively by a car last month online, the EU proposes a limit average CO2 of 130g/km by 2012 - against an average of 162g/km last year. Manufacturers miss the mark would further impose heavy fines.

If the law did - and a round of industry lobbying to dilute the action is now inevitable - the plans could jeopardize all the sports cars, 4x4 and MPV on sale today. The industry fails to meet its own voluntary target of 140 g on average for 2008, one or two manufacturers will succeed (including Fiat), but most admit a secret that will not achieve the goal next year.

This has forced the EC to draft a new law significantly. Enterprise Commissioner Günter Verheugen said to help Europe meet its commitments under the Kyoto agreement to reduce greenhouse gases. He said: "We will soon be able to offer not only the cars better and safer, but also the cleanest cars - that is the future of the European automotive industry".

But the industry warns that the cost of new technologies to meet the new objectives of 130g/km of CO2 could add thousands to the price of all new cars. Head of UK trade body SMMT, Christopher Macgowan Chief Executive, said. "There is a huge threat to jobs and the economy not only the choice of cars is reduced by these measures if we are to meet the limits, but independent estimates place a projected increase in the region of £ 2500 for the price of sale of each new vehicle. "

However, there is little light at the end of the tunnel. It seems that the 130g/km target would apply to the entire industry, not to individual producers. And specialized companies like Porsche would not be bankrupt overnight.