Press Release

02/12/2008

Deal reached on car CO2 emissions. Martin Callanan MEP

Agreement will encourage greener cars without driving manufacturers out of business

"MEPs have agreed a deal with the Council of Ministers that will significantly cut car emissions without crippling Europe's downtrodden car industry", Martin Callanan MEP, who was one of the European Parliament's representatives in the 'trialogue', said today.

Late last night, a deal was agreed that would require carmakers to reduce emissions by 18 per cent over the next six years. CO2 emissions will be reduced to 130g per km between 2012 and 2015, rather than by 2012 as originally proposed. A long-term target of 95g by 2020 will also be introduced.

The legislation will now go before all MEPs for a vote in the December plenary.

Mr Callanan said: "The deal we have struck represents the best of both worlds. We have shown that we can encourage car manufacturers to go green by including incentives for investment in clean technology, but without driving them out of business."

"We have recognised that manufacturers cannot develop new cars and technologies overnight, particularly given the huge trials they face during the downturn."

"We will now ask all sides to agree to this deal".

For further information:
Martin Callanan MEP, Tel: +44-7974-254921 or +32-2-2845701
martin.callanan@europarl.europa.eu
James Holtum, EPP-ED Press Service, Tel: +32-473-861762
Gareth Goldsmith, EPP-ED Press Service, Tel: +32-476-668050

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 288 Members from all 27 Member States.