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EU warned over tighter cv regulations hitting recovery
publication date: Oct 29, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
European vehicle makers have called for clearer new
laws on commercial vehicle emissions which are not merely adapted from
the present legislation governing cars.
The European automobile industry is proceeding at full pace to
reduce further CO2 emissions from its vehicles and is confident to meet
legislative targets if a supportive policy and legislative framework is
secured.
The Commission wants to set van makers a fleet average target of 175g
CO2/km or 42.8 mpg from 2014, phased-in to 2016. With seven-year
product development cycles in the van and light commercial vehicle
market, industry feels the lead-times are too short to allow the
delivery of affordable products to the market.
"Vans are an integral part of the European economy and at a time of
economic downturn and belt-tightening, businesses do not have the
capacity to invest in new products," said Paul Everitt SMMT chief
executive.
"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."
The legislative proposal for limiting CO2 emissions from light
commercial vehicles, adopted today by the European Commission and
subject to approval by the European Parliament and Member States,
however disregards the economic reality as well as the specific
characteristics of the vehicle segment concerned.
In line with the pledge not to introduce new, costly regulation during
the crisis, the European Commission should have handed over this
important legislative dossier to the next Commission team that will be
working with the new European Parliament.
"Our economies are on life support. The automotive industry -- and in
particular the commercial vehicle industry -- is still suffering from a
continuing credit crunch and a depressed economy. Policy makers must
deliver on the balancing act between environmental and economic
priorities", said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of ACEA.
Demand for new light commercial vehicles has dropped by 34.4% this year
and by 47.3% in the case of heavy trucks. The commercial vehicle sector
depends entirely on the economy to recover in order to see sales pick
up again and generate the revenues necessary to invest.
"The European manufacturers will further deliver significant
CO2-efficiency improvements to market despite the austere economic and
financial conditions", added Hodac. "To continue doing so, the industry
needs a policy framework that enables it to perform best in the
transition to a low-carbon economy. That is both an environmental and
an economic interest for the EU."
The proposal presented today must become much more tailored to the
specific vehicle segment concerned and take into account the major
differences with passenger cars.
"There is a focus on technologies regardless of the market situation or
customer needs. There is not much consideration of the different uses
of the vehicles concerned. That is a missed opportunity," said Hodac.
"EU policy makers should furthermore ensure sufficient industrial
lead-time which is, at the moment, not foreseen." Lead-time is
essential to sustain investments and adapt vehicles at a reasonable
time in their product cycle, keeping them affordable. Light commercial
vehicles have a substantially longer development phase as well as
product cycle than passenger cars.
Policy makers are urged to perform a thorough analysis of the
proposal's impact on the economy, employment and the environment, in
particular with regard to the long-term target. Penalties should be
based on the carbon price in the European Emission Trading Scheme.
Furthermore, a comprehensive package of market incentives would help
ensure that fleet renewal takes place, especially in an economically
depressed market. | |
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