PanterroR
Lap Time Luminary
The V12-powered Lamborghini Murcielago is one of the highest CO2 emitters
The European Union is ready to abandon its long-established goal of cutting carbon dioxide limits for new vehicles to 120g/km by 2012. Under a proposal introduced during negotiations between nations in the EU late last week, the 120g/km limit originally set for 2012 would be pushed back to 2015, a delay of three years. The consensus was reached among the 27 member nations of the EU, who see the current economic crisis as a major hurdle for carmakers attempting to development cleaner vehicles.
While the member nations may have agreed on abandoning the goal for now, the motion still must be passed in the European Parliament before it comes into effect. Despite this, it appears that European manufacturers will be able to breathe a sigh of relief - for now, anyway. The current nation holding presidency in the EU, France, has indicated its support of the proposal, as has the European Commission, which is remaining empathetic to the plight of auto manufacturers, and the effect these strict emissions limits would have on them, Reuters reports.
If the proposal were to be passed by the European parliament, manufacturers would have to adhere to the current limits of 130g/km, rather than the new ones intended for 2012. After 2015, those manufacturers who exceeded the 120g/km limit would be subject to sharply rising penalties.
During the negotiations between the member states, another CO2 limiting target was agreed upon - this time to cut emissions to just 95g/km by 2020. Current levels for most carmakers are around 160g/km.
Source: EU considering three year delay of 120g/km CO2 limit - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots
