abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb
Article

19 Dec 2007

Author:
AFP

EU fuels controversy with fine proposals for carmakers

The European Commission sparked controversy on Wednesday with plans to fine carmakers that miss proposed cuts in ca[rbon emissions from new cars, slammed by both industry and environmentalists... The proposals have been the subject of fierce lobbying by the automobile industry and the German government, concerned that its carmakers and their big luxury models would be hit particularly hard... According to figures from the Commission, German carmakers Porsche, DaimlerChrysler [now Daimler] and BMW will have to make the biggest cuts to their emissions, along with Japanese groups Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Nissan... "The penalties being proposed are of an unprecedented high level," said Sergio Marchionne, president European Automobile Manufacturers Association and chief executive of Fiat... On the opposite side of the spectrum, Greenpeace transport policy expert Franziska Achterberg said..."The Commission has let car makers drive away with a proposal that sets a weak, short-term standard, lacks any longer-term targets, and offers an open road to heavy, gas-guzzling vehicles"...