EU proposes new stronger emissions for light commercial vehicles

The European Union (EU), through the European Parliament, has voted to introduce legislation that would make it mandatory for commercial vehicles to slash fuel consumption by 2014. They will have to meet a new stricter emissions rating of 175 grams (6.2 ounces) a kilometer (0.6 mile) of CO2. This new policy will be enforced by 2014, once the new standards are approved by the EU Council of Ministers. The new standard is expected to pass. The proposed mandate applies to commercial vehicles up to 3500 kg (7500 lbs) gross vehicle weight. By 2014, 60% of a commercial manufacturer’s fleet will have to meet the new standard. The percentage will increase by 5% per year until 2017 when all light commercial vehicles must pass the new standards for emissions and fuel consumption. Commercial vehicles covered by the new emission rules comprise 1.5% of the total EU CO2 emissions. Failure to comply will result in manufacturer fines on every g/km exceeding the new cap. It is expected that the new policy will be exempt for manufacturers producing less than 22,000 vehicles per year. Proposed legislation covering passenger vehicles is stricter with a mandate of an average of 130g/km (4.6 ounces per 0.6 miles) by 2015. It is expected that car and van manufacturers will pass the cost of meeting the new standards on to consumers with an increase in van prices of approximately US$1300 per vehicle. By 2020, the new EU program has a target of 147g/km (5.1 ounces per 0.6 miles) for vans. This could result in an even higher increase in van prices. The commercial van market in Europe makes up approximately 12% of the new vehicle market. (February 26, 2011)