European Parliament secures car CO2 emissions cap

With today’s vote in the European Parliament, new cars will have CO2 emission limits of 95g per km by
the end of 2020 – a longstanding BEUC call in order to reduce the cost of driving.

Monique Goyens, Director General of The European Consumer Organisation, commented:
“High and rising fuel prices make driving a car increasingly unaffordable for many consumers. At the
same time, people rely daily on their car to drop their kids off at school or drive to work. By our
calculations, bringing car emissions down to 95g/km will lead to fuel savings of up to €465 annually.
“All the signs indicate that fuel prices will continue to increase. Therefore it is essential that we help
keep the cost of driving down. The sooner we settle a 2025 limit the better. The automobile industry
needs planning security and consumers want reassurance that driving will be affordable for the years to
come.
“Today’s vote ends a lobbying powerplay by big car manufacturers and their government allies. This
deal to make driving cheaper and greener has been delayed unnecessarily at consumers’ expense and
that of the environment.”