CO2 proposal for light commercial vehicles must be modified

The European automobile industry is proceeding at full pace to reduce further CO2 emissions from its vehicles and needs a sound policy and legislative framework to support its efforts. The current proposal, however, does not address the particular features of the targeted vehicle segment. Transporters and vans are exclusively bought by commercial operators, whose purchase criteria are determined by their businesses. In many cases, fuel efficiency is already a main purchase factor and, hence, the vehicle market offers a competitive, efficient product range. In other cases, load factor, load volume or interior (re)fitting may be the dominant issue, with subsequent limited opportunity to change the vehicle specifications that most determine fuel efficiency.

The legislative proposal, in addition, does not ensure sufficient industrial lead-time and proposes an unfeasible 2020 limit value. Lead-time is essential to sustain investments and adapt vehicles at a reasonable time in their product cycle, keeping them affordable. Light commercial vehicles have a substantially longer development phase as well as product cycle than passenger cars.

The auto industry calls for a thorough analysis of the proposal’s impact on the economy, employment and the environment, in particular with regard to setting a long-term target. Penalties, if at all part of the legislation, should be based on the carbon price in the European Emission Trading Scheme. Furthermore, a comprehensive package of market incentives would help ensure that fleet renewal takes place, which is essential to achieve the CO2 emission reduction objectives.