Emission performance standards for new light commercial vehicles

The presidency reported to the Council on progress concerning a draft regulation setting emission performance standards for new light commercial vehicles.

The Working Party on the Environment examined the proposal. However, further detailed discussions within the Working Party will be necessary.

In general, most delegations welcomed the proposal to set CO2 emission performance standards for new light commercial vehicles to complement the passenger cars Regulation and to contribute to the 5% emissions reduction target for activities falling outside the Emissions Trading Scheme. There is also considerable support for the initial target of 175g CO2/km, but differing views about the timing of its introduction.

There are also some differences of view concerning the details of the proposal, such as the following:

Impact assessment: a number of delegations raised concerns regarding the data used, particularly since it was collected before the current economic difficulties affecting the sector. Long-term objective There is broad support for the setting of a long-term objective, but differing views on the proposed figure (with some expressing concerns about its feasibility and others supporting an even stricter target).

Scope and derogations: delegations welcomed the proposed initial scope followed by a review and the aim of avoiding loopholes. There was also broad support for the proposed derogations for low volume manufacturers whereby the producers would receive individual targets.

Utility parameter: most delegations have welcomed the use of mass in running order as the most appropriate utility parameter, but some are in favour of using alternative parameters.

Excess emissions premium: some delegations have expressed doubts about the proposed level of the premium, as it is higher than in the passenger cars regulation. Other delegations favour a simpler approach, without a phase-in of premiums on top of the phase-in of the short-term target itself.

Multi-stage vehicles: this a key concern for several delegations. The Commission has undertaken to provide additional information.