France launches clean car incentive scheme

France has launched an incentive scheme to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from new cars. From January buyers of cars emitting more than 160g/km will have to pay a premium of up to €2,600. These cars represent 25 per cent of all sales, the government estimates. Conversely, individuals purchasing cars emitting less than 130g/km will receive up to €1,000. Cars with emissions between the two limits are not affected. The scheme is intended to implement measures adopted this autumn (EED 25/10/07). See French environment ministry press release and full dossier.