The European Commission launched a proposal to implement targets that will further considerably reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from new cars and light commercial vehicles (vans). The Commission highlighted that the mandatory targets for 2020 are already envisaged in existing legislation but require implementation.

The European Commission is seeking further CO2 emission reductions from cars and vans. Therefore, it proposes to cut average emissions from new cars to 95 grams of CO2 per km (g CO2/km) in 2020 from 135.7g in 2011 and a mandatory target of 130g in 2015. Emissions from vans will be reduced to 147g CO2/km in 2020 from 181.4g in 2010 (the latest year for which figures are available) and a mandatory target of 175g in 2017. In June 2012, the Commission also announced concrete actions that will be taken to help car industry.

In the existing legislation - Regulation (EC) Nº 443/2009 (cars) and Regulation (EU) Nº 510/2011 (vans) -, the mandatory targets for 2020 are already envisaged but require implementation. The Commission's analysis shows that those targets are achievable, economically sound and cost effective: the technology is readily available, its cost is substantially lower than previously thought and its implementation should boost employment and GDP and benefit consumers and industry.

In addition, the Commission also highlights that the sector has a large capacity for innovation and enjoys a substantial comparative advantage over competitors. The 2020 targets offer a clear and stable legal environment for investment, and will further stimulate innovation by vehicle producers and component suppliers, further strengthening the EU industry's competitive advantage. The introduction of similar CO2 or fuel efficiency standards in third countries would increase demand for CO2-reducing technologies and more efficient cars made in Europe.