A lot of people in Europe are worried that draconian car emission laws now being considered by the European Commission could mean the death of sports and luxury cars.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the rules are so restrictive, they could “wipe automotive manufacturing off the face of the UK and Europe.”
The first threat of legal action by the commission was made last year after it became clear to them that European car makers would not voluntarily be able to reduce Co2 emissions to 140 grams per kilometer in new cars by 2008.
Now many of the automotive manufacturers and those involved in automotive-related industries are screaming. The SMMT says the proposed law will result in less choice for consumers as well as higher prices. Spokesman of the group, Nigel Wanncott, argues that there needs to be more development of alternative fuels and there also needs to be a government incentive to get people to buy cars that run on those cleaner fuels. He added that if there is no type of compromise here, manufacturers will be forced to make cars that consumers just won’t buy and sports and luxury cars will not be able to be produced.
In response, the European Commission says that they have no choice because the auto makers refuse to voluntarily make necessary changes to cut emissions.
Note, though, that all of the European Commission’s suggestions are just that: suggestions. They are not binding until they are approved by European governments. If the governments do enact them, however, the regulations would force car manufacturers in Europe to cut average Co2 emissions to 130 grams per kilometer by 2012.
Our take? It seems that the fight is on -- laissez faire Vs government regulations. And it will do us well over here in the U.S. to keep track of what is happening in Europe. Because what is decided there could easily make its way across the pond to affect us here.
Via The Birmingham Post