Moves are afoot within the 2465 European Commission to develop tighter CO2 emissions standards for vans. This move forms part of a wider plan to cut emissions from the road transport sector. Under the terms of the plan so far, the EC hopes to introduce a 2020 goal to limit average CO2 emissions from new cars to 95grammes/km. A separate draft includes plans to enforce a provisional goal to limit emissions from new vans to 147grammes/km by the same date.
The new target follows an earlier target of limiting average emissions from new vans to 175grammes/km by 2017. By the end of 2014, the EC will consider future targets for 2025 and 2030. But van makers that miss the 2020 target will face tough fines of €95gramme for every vehicle that exceeds the 147gramme/km limit. The EC is expected to publish the proposals next month, before being finalised by EU member governments and the European Parliament.
Some industry representatives have said tougher binding standards would be challenging for an industry suffering from overcapacity and recession. Others have said the targets are achievable and would help to make Europe's car industry more competitive. The road transport sector is an increasing source of vehicle emissions though. Between 1990 and 2008, emissions from the road transport sector increased by 26%, according to EC data.
The new target follows an earlier target of limiting average emissions from new vans to 175grammes/km by 2017. By the end of 2014, the EC will consider future targets for 2025 and 2030. But van makers that miss the 2020 target will face tough fines of €95gramme for every vehicle that exceeds the 147gramme/km limit. The EC is expected to publish the proposals next month, before being finalised by EU member governments and the European Parliament.
Some industry representatives have said tougher binding standards would be challenging for an industry suffering from overcapacity and recession. Others have said the targets are achievable and would help to make Europe's car industry more competitive. The road transport sector is an increasing source of vehicle emissions though. Between 1990 and 2008, emissions from the road transport sector increased by 26%, according to EC data.
