Tough but feasible limits can help fight global warming/ Lower running costs through savings on fuel/ New limits for LCVs as of 2014

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) will soon be subject to greenhouse gas emission standards. The European Parliament today endorsed a new EU Regulation introducing CO2 limits as of 2014. "The new standards will boost innovation and the competitiveness of European manufacturers. Green technologies have to be built into the vehicles which need to stay affordable. In any case, there will be substantial savings in the running costs as fuel consumption will drop by around 25 percent by 2020", said Anja Weisgerber MEP who is in charge of the LCV emission standards in the EPP Group.

Starting in 2014, 70 percent of new commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must comply with an average emission limit of 175 grams CO2 per kilometre. The percentage increases to 75 percent in 2015 and 80 percent in 2016. As from 2017, all new LCVs have to meet the limit. In 2020, the limit will decrease to 147 grams. If a manufacturer fails to meet the limits, a penalty of €95 per gram per vehicle applies. "We need to lower the greenhouse gas emissions of vans and light commercial vehicles to successfully contribute to fighting global warming. The long-term limit of 147 grams is both ambitious and feasible", said Anja Weisgerber.

In the fight against climate change, the EPP Group favours incentives instead of bans. "The Regulation provides for 'extra incentives' for particularly environmentally-friendly vehicles, such as hybrid or electric vans. Through such incentives, we can speed up the entry into the market of the respective vehicles. The same goes for so-called eco innovations, such as solar panels or LED bulbs", said the EPP Group Shadow Rapporteur.

For further information:
Anja WEISGERBER MEP, Tel: +33-3-88177337
Thomas Bickl, EPP Group Press & Communications Service, Tel: +32-478-215372

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 265 Members.