EUROPEAN CAR STRATEGY TO CUT CO2

As advanced as European car makers are, NewEnergyNews would have expected them to have plug-in hybrids on their list. Too bad.

European motor manufacturers call for integrated carbon approach
James Snodgrass, July 25, 2007 (CNN)

WHO
European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) (including PSA Peugeot Citroen, Volkswagen, Fiat Group, Renault, GM Europe, BMW, Ford of Europe, Porsche, Volvo and DaimlerChrysler and commercial vehicle manufacturers MAN, Scania and DAF)
There will be more and more cars. (click to enlarge)

WHAT
5 steps proposed in report: “Reducing CO2 Emissions From Cars: Towards An Integrated Approach”

WHEN
The report was made July 11. The car makers’ goal is to cut emissions to 120 grams CO2/kilometer by 2012.

WHERE
The report was made at the European Commission hearing on CO2 from cars in Brussels.

WHY
1. Technology and Research
- refine engine technologies
- improve aerodynamics
- decrease curb weights

2. Biofuels.
- develop at pace to modify engines/ensure technical compatibility
- sustain supply of gas for older vehicles

3. Drivers Adapt ("Eco-Driving" techniques)
- higher gears as early as possible
- maintaining a steady speed
- anticipating traffic flow
- switching off the engine at short stops
- check tire pressures
- use on-board computers
- use GPS units to avoid wasting fuel getting lost
- reduce all surplus weight

4. Infrastructure (better road design/intelligent traffic management)
- 50% of traffic lights should be replaced to generate optimal traffic flow
- improve road surfaces to reduce rolling resistance (up to 40%, cutting emissions 5%)

5. Tax incentives for Lower Emission Vehicles.
11 EU member states have incentives but standardization would create clear market signals facilitating economies of scale.
Here's a thought that’s not on the list.

QUOTES
Article: “ACEA believes that putting the environmental burden solely at the door of the automobile industry will jeopardize European car production and not achieve sufficient environmental gains…[M]anufacturers, governments, technology firms and drivers [need] to work together to prevent growing emissions…[T]here is not, and will not be, a single technical solution to the problem…”