EUROPEAN CARS GETTING BIGGER, NOT CLEANER

Same problems as in the US. When the US tried a version of Merkel’s proposed solution, it only led to bigger SUV sales.

European carmakers idling on carbon cuts; A study says emission reductions are lagging because of a focus on producing larger cars.
Andrew Boundsin, September 10, 2007 (Financial Times via LA Times)
and
Merkel Supports Carbon-Dioxide Cut by Vehicle Segment
Jeremy van Loon and Claudia Rach, September 13, 2007 (Bloomberg News)

WHO
European carmakers, advocacy group Transport and Environment, European Automobile Manufacturers Assn. (EAMA) (Aat Peterse, spokesman); German Chancellor Angela Merkel

It would be a shame for the EU to lose its trend-setting way in favor of policies that keep the US making more vehicle emissions than anybody else. (click to enlarge)

WHAT
A Transport and Environment study found that European auto fleets’ emissions fell only 0.2% in 2006, threatening the EU’s ability to meet emissions reductions goals. German Chancellor Merkel suggested creating vehicle categories which would make meeting the goals but weaken the goals.

WHEN
This is the lowest emissions reduction rate on record. Goal for 2006: 140 gm of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions/km. Actual 2005: 160.5 gm/km. Actual 2006: 160 gm/km. Legally binding goal for 2012: 120 gm/km. Goal for 2020: 80 gm/km.

WHERE
The study covered the EU, except Romania, Bulgaria and Malta. It found emissions up in Spain and Austria, down but not much in the other EU nations.

WHY
- According to information informing EU legislation, engine technology can bring emissions to 130 gm/km by 2012. The use of biofuels and efficiency controls (tire pressures, gear monitors) can get them down to the 120 gm/km level.
- Industry and Environment directorates of the EU continue to feud over implementation. Industry is anxious to protect heavier, higher profit models with larger emissions allowances.
- Transport and Environment: Average weight of EU new cars up 17 kg in 2006 to 1.38 metric tons. Because weight creates more emissions and vehicular deaths, the study recommends building larger cars with lighter weight materials.
- Carmakers say they will be able to better address the issue as consumer tastes trend toward styles and materials that make reduced emissions possible.
- German car execs advocate adjusting and weakening the emissions standards by assigning vehicles to categories by weight and only applying the standards where they could be met. German leaders are aware the auto industry provides 1 in 7 German jobs and 1/5 of German exports.
- Vehicles generate 10+% of EU CO2. 15 million EU autos/year sold.

A maverick German engineer, unpopular with the EU, insists THESE kinds of changes need to be made in European cars, not an easing of emissions standards. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Aat Peterse, EAMA: "In the first eight years of their voluntary commitment, carmakers concentrated on bigger, heavier and more gas-guzzling cars, and the results speak for themselves…In the last few months Europe's carmakers have come up with enough green brands to fill a dictionary…It's up to the EU to make sure the current buzz translates into real emissions reductions by sticking to a legally-binding target of 120g/km by 2012 and ensuring that a series of long-term targets are in place leading to 80g/km by 2020."
- Unnamed manufacturers’ spokesperson: “[Carmakers have no intention of ducking the commitment…We will only be able to judge the results in 2009-2010."
- Merkel: ``Any solution needs to be fair and the German industry should know that it has my support for a solution based on vehicle segments…Let's hope we can find a solution soon.''