43mpg target for vans
NEW vans sold from 2014 will have to meet tough green rules demanding a fleet average of 42.8mpg.
The EC proposals are part of wider laws to reduce the environmental impact of vans.
This will also cut the average CO2 from van makers’ fleet average to 175g/km – tough enough to be met with resistance from the SMMT.
The body is in favour of lower emissions, but feels that the mpg-slashing proposals from the European Commission, which would demand full phase-in by 2016, are too short.
‘Vans are an integral part of the European economy and, at a time of economic downturn and belt-tightening, businesses do not have the capacity to invest in new products,’ said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
He spoke as current UK new van registrations show a 41 percent decline. The end-of-year total is expected to see a 37 percent drop.
‘In the current economic climate, the EU regulation must maintain the sector’s diversity while encouraging innovation and the move to low carbon models.’
This is why, he added, the SMMT will now work with the European Council and Parliament to develop a more realistic and workable set of rules.
‘Industry needs sufficient lead times and reasonable targets to provide affordable products.’