Emissions Cap Could Force Carmakers Out of Europe

New carbon emissions standards that are set to be introduced across Europe by 2012 may force carmakers outside of the region unless they make serious inroads into reducing the emission levels of their cars within the next five years. Under the proposals, which are to be announced by European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas later this year, new cars in 2012 will have to emit no more than 120g of carbon per kilometer. Currently, the only car that meets this standard is the Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle that emits just 104g per km.

The Daily Telegraph reports that European carmakers had failed to comply with a voluntary agreement they signed in 1998 to reduce emissions by 25% by 2008, and instead managed only a 13% reduction so far. Manufacturers of sports cars and SUV such as Porsche and Land Rover have stated that the proposals would devastate their future plans.


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02WRX - 1/15/2007 12:48:22 PM

0 Boost

$8,000? I'm glad I'm not a poor European who needs a car to commute to work...

mstangpny07 - 1/15/2007 12:52:03 PM

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Is Europe trying to get rid of automobiles altogether? That's what it looks like.

BMW_DRVR - 1/15/2007 1:10:34 PM

+1 Boost

Imagine all of us driving around prius'. I'd rather die or at least move thats easier.

Rupert - 1/15/2007 1:28:27 PM

+1 Boost

they're lying!
there are plenty of cars that emit less than 120g's of CO2!
pretty much all cars smaller than a golf do!
liars...

Carboy - 1/15/2007 3:13:41 PM

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BMW FAN, I agree.

quizz - 1/15/2007 3:13:49 PM

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I guess we'll all be driving SMART, Prius, and other "hybrid" type cars in 10 years.

No big deal. Just leave Europe and come to America where everybody can drive a giant truck/SUV

kart1 - 1/15/2007 6:26:40 PM

0 Boost

You know this is bad for Europe but it may be bad for us too, because would the European automakers build more polluting and fast cars just for the US??? They will give their restricted crap to us was well.

1970toyotamarc - 1/16/2007 3:14:59 PM

+3 Boost

"Currently, the only car that meets this standard is the Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle."

Can we just have theat repeated about a thousand times a day, please.

I wish someone would just post a current accurate list of emissions, broken down by category. I've searched for something comprehensive, to no avail. Every article lists one or two facts, maybe a comparison here or there, but nothing comprehensive. Anyone got a link?

JUGNU - 1/17/2007 4:32:13 AM

+2 Boost

Where will this leave the diesels?

According to this, either the diesel engine will be vastly improved(very clean) or will just finsh.

It's a do-die situation for many.(Diesels especially)

JUGNU