Conservatives back greener cars without driving manufacturers out of business
Posted, February 16, 2009 @ 00:00
MEPs agreed a deal with the Council of Ministers that will significantly cut car emissions without crippling Europe's downtrodden car industry, Martin Callanan, Conservative MEP, who was one of the European Parliament's representatives in the "trialogue" discussions said.
A deal was agreed that would require carmakers to reduce emissions by 18 per cent over the next six years. CO2 emissions will be reduced to 130g per Km between 2012 and 2015, rather than by 2012 as originally proposed. A long-term target of 95g by 2020 will also be introduced.
Conservatives also put their foot down to defend a special clause for niche manufacturers such as Jaguar-Lang Rover. Under the agreement reached, these manufacturers will still have to reduce their emissions more than an average car manufacturer, but not by the crippling levels that would have been foreseen. Conservatives also helped secure an exemption for LTI, which makes the iconic London taxi cabs.
Mr Callanan said:
"The deal struck represents the best of both worlds. We have shown that we can encourage car manufacturers to go green by including incentives for investment in clean technology, but without driving them out of business.
"We have recognised that manufacturers cannot develop new cars and technologies overnight, particularly given the huge trials they face during the downturn.
"It was particularly important that we put in place special conditions for Jaguar-Land Rover and Black cabs. These companies will still have to do more than most, but because of their niche model ranges, this law would have caused them severe problems."