September 25, 2008

EU Automakers May Succeed in Weakening Emissions Law

The EU Environment Committee will likely pass the first mandatory set of carbon caps on the auto industry this week. But automakers appear likely to win significant compromises, Wall Street Journal reports.

Automakers may only have to pay €50 per “excess” gram of CO2 emitted per kilometer per car, compared with the original finical penalty of €95. In addition, emissions curbs will likely take full effect in 2015, instead of 2012 as was planned originally.

Automakers will also be allowed to earn credits for new eco-friendly technologies such as biofuel and high-tech gearboxes. Niche automakers, such as Jaguar and Land Rover — which said that they feel endangered by new regulations – will also likely be exempt.

However, changes to the law could still be made because it is subject to a vote in the European Parliament.

Automakers are already falling behind on EU’s voluntary CO2 targets.

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