Federal Environment Minister welcomes agreement over CO2 limit values
Federal Environment Minister Gabriel has welcomed the agreement over CO2 limit values for passenger cars as a "good compromise".
The maximum CO2 emission limit of 120g/km for new vehicles is an ambitious target. This agreement creates a binding legal framework and finally gives the automobile industry planning certainty after lengthy debates. What is particularly important is that CO2 emissions are to be reduced to an average of 95g/km by 2020.
"After the European automobile industry failed to comply with its voluntary commitment, there will now be a clear legal regulation from 2012. The limit values will lead to huge investments in climate-friendly technologies. Of course, German car manufacturers too will have to massively step up their climate protection efforts. But I am convinced that the European provisions will help increase the competitiveness of the German automobile industry in the long term. Efficient vehicles are the future - in Europe and worldwide."
The European Commission, the Council Presidency and representatives of the European Parliament agreed on the basic elements of a European CO2 strategy for passenger cars on 1 December. According to this strategy, the limit value of 120g CO2 per kilometre will become binding for the entire fleet of new vehicles in four stages from 2012 to 2015. The long-term target of 95g/km for the year 2020 will be legally binding. Massive fines of up to 95 euro per gram will be charged if these limit values are exceeded.