|
›
Japan and EU to reduce vehicle emissions further |
 |
Japanese and European experts exchanged ideas yesterday on best ways to reduce CO2 emissions from the automotive sector. Further legislative measures on Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC), in both EU and Japan, were part of the debate.
|
2007-09-19
|
At a workshop held in Brussels on 18 September, different options and strategies to mitigate climate impact from European and Japanese automotive industries were presented. Issues discussed ranged from an integrated approach to tackle vehicle emissions, involving all relevant stakeholders, to comparative analysis of voluntary vs. mandatory approaches to reduce emissions, or efforts to promote light-weight vehicles.
Sustainable car air conditioning
The issue of air conditioning was mentioned several times as one of the areas where improvements are needed, both in the EU and Japan.
When asked about the recent announcement of VDA to comply with the EU MAC Directive from 2011, Reinhard Schulte Braucks, Head of the Automotive unit at the European Commission, said that “CO2 based systems are very welcomed”. However, he also insisted that the EU Directive is technology neutral, and therefore “any other systems complying with the legislation will be welcomed”.
|
EU CO2 reductions strategy
Mr. Schulte- Braucks supported recent declarations by Industry Commissioner, Günter Verheugen: “We’re aware that the European Automotive Industry is a jewel we need to keep, but it needs to produce the cleanest and safest cars in the world to be competitive in the long-term”.
|
|
|
He confirmed that the European Commission will issue a legislative proposal on CO2 emissions reductions covering the sector by end 2007 or early 2008. The European Parliament is currently discussing the issue, and will make a final vote for an opinion to the Commission in October. At the same, the Commission is expecting the results from an impact assessment on the measures being considered. Measures on MAC are expected as part of the Commission proposal.
Japan not ruling out legislation on MAC
R. Maeda, from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), presented the positive results from focusing on efficiency by Japanese manufacturers, with a key role played by the “top runner” approach. The strategy is based on encouraging manufacturers to achieve best in-class efficiency, with obligations for each manufacturer and targets for different vehicle categories.
Mr. Maeda, also stressed the efforts so far by the Japanese industry to improve efficiency of MAC systems. However, he warned that its Ministry “can consider legally binding targets for mobile air conditioning, similar to the EU legislation” if progress is deemed insufficient.
Background
The Workshop “Reducing CO2 Emissions in the automobile sector- Japan and EU” was organised by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). The European Commission, European Parliament, METI, the International Energy Agency, as well as FIA and NGO representatives, among others, presented their views on cost-effective ways to reduce car emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
|
More information:
› EU Strategy to Reduce CO2 Emissions from Cars
› Japan Voluntary Agreement of the Automobile Industry
|
