European Parliament sets carbon targets

Date: 16/2/2011

A 175g/km CO2 short term and 147g/km CO2 long term target for light commercial goods vehicles (LGVs) will officially be adopted, following a vote by the European Parliament.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the targets will continue the work already started by vehicle manufacturers to reduce the carbon emissions that arise from driving.

Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "[The] industry is pleased that the European Parliament has come to a decision on CO2 emission targets for LCVs as vehicle manufacturers are committed to lowering emissions as part of ongoing introductions of low, lower and ultra-low carbon vehicles."

He added that the UK is in a good place to take advantage of low carbon technology and that the government should demonstrate its support of this by investing in skills within the sector.

Elsewhere, Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Technologies Institute Dr David Clarke has claimed that heavy duty vehicles also need to become more energy efficient, particularly as European legislation will increase its power against motors that have not achieved this.

Posted by Nick Anderson