10 Easy Steps to Cut Car Emissions: Climate Control Manual

However, all manufacturers currently have the technology to increase the fuel efficiency of their cars and, indeed, most of them are making several models that fall under the 120g CO2 per kilometre.

In recognition of the fact that transport is the only sector that has seen increases in CO2 emissions in recent years, Greenpeace is asking MEPs to agree strong legislation that will ensure that passenger cars play their role in the overall reduction of CO2 emissions. Compared to other industries and sectors, the car manufacturers have so far been given an easy ride in assisting the European Member States in meeting their environmental commitments. Greenpeace is asking that manufacturers be given a target of a fleet average of 120g/km by 2012, and that a long-term target is set of 80g/km by 2020, in line with the EU’s overall emissions targets. This will also ensure that progress is continual and measurable.

This document shows that it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions, of individual cars and of the fleet as a whole, using existing technology. There is no need for the “phase in” that the industry has been calling for. If even some of the following measures are adopted into new models, it will be easy for manufacturers to meet the required fuel efficiency for their fleet well within the proposed legislative timeframe.