EU governments edge closer to car CO2 deal

EU governments are inching towards an agreement on draft legislation to limit carbon dioxide emissions from new cars.  On Friday senior diplomats gave the green light for the start of negotiations with MEPs to finalise the proposal after the French presidency offered further concessions aimed at winning over sceptical countries.

Most countries now support a phase-in of the proposed 130g/km emission limit for carmakers, according to council sources (EED 01/10/08).  Under the latest presidency proposal, carmakers would have to ensure that 60 per cent of their fleet met the limit in 2012, rising to 75 per cent in 2013, 85 per cent in 2014 and 100 per cent in 2015.