European automakers are a bunch of whiners over CO2 rules
Automotive News Europe columnist Tony Lewin (subs req'd) has got a message for the European automakers in the wake of new CO2 laws: stop whining. He didn't say that in so many words (he said that the automakers are letting out "anguished squeals" and "you would have thought that they were told that starting in 2012 all cars had to have square wheels and run on recycled orange juice"), but that's his message. We've already seen VW express unhappiness over the fines that will kick in in 2012. Lewin says the reason these cries should be halted is that the new 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer average from automakers that will now be required "was first discussed in 1994." 13 years later, and what have the automakers done? Some improvements, sure, but not enough. And it's not like the European government is springing this regulation on the automakers out of nowhere. Check out the rest of Lewin's argument (if you have a subscription to AN).
What gets me is that we see, pretty much on a daily basis, some automaker or another telling us how amazing their new low-CO2 car is. I mean, just look at the offerings from Peugeot or Renault. I know the sub-120 grams of CO2 per kilometer cars these companies (and others) are often just concepts, but not always. And anyway, five year is enough time to bring them to market. If the automakers say it's not, then they can step aside for companies that can do it.
[Source: Automotive News Europe]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Karl-Uwe Strunzen 12:40PM (12/20/2007)
There are plenty of production cars below 120 g.
These include the Citroen C1, C2 and C3, Peugeot 107 and 207, Toyota Aygo, Renault Clio and Fiat Grande Punto, Panda and 500. Not only but these last two models are the top sellers in the European small car segment and are inexpensive.
Eco-friendly cars are not only readily available, they aren't even expensive!
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Karl-Uwe Strunzen 12:02AM (12/21/2007)
Since the French and Italians have basically already reached the 140 target for 2008 in 2006, i.e. two years ahead of schedule, I think it's pretty obvious that there is a lot of whining going on.
By extension one would guess that the 120 target will not cause any drama either. In addition, if one reads about the Italian and French new engines which are to be released in the coming months, which are remarkable improvements on the already highly efficient engine ranges, then there can be no doubt that there is way too much winging going on.
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Ron Fischer 10:10PM (12/21/2007)
European automakers, like those in the US, are aware that the constant, steady pressure of lobbying can save them millions in costs. Its deeply unfortunate there is no simpler link between the cost of CO2 emissions and the cost of cars than legislation.
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