Automakers scramble to cut pollution as EU poised to act on emissions

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2007

PARIS (AFP) — Automakers have stepped up efforts to curb fuel consumption and pollution ahead of an expected call by the European Union for a 25 percent cut in carbon emissions by new cars in 2012.

European manufacturers have been pursuing several anti-pollution approaches in order to meet their own goal of limiting carbon dioxide emissions to 140 grammes per kilometer next year.

The European Commission, the EU executive arm, on Wednesday is to unveil plans calling for carmakers to reduce emissions to an average of 130 grammes across their fleet of new passenger cars from 2012.

Under the scheme, parts and fuel-makers would shave a further 10 grammes off the average with improvements to air-conditioning, tyre pressure monitoring and gearboxes and using more...