The EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger has written to Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn to reassure him that proposed regulations for new car CO2 levels will not harm the firm because of new, relaxed rules over so-called ‘super-credits’.
A letter to Mr Winterkorn, obtained by EurActiv, says that the proposals for a 95g/km by 2020 target, presented in July “reflected not insignificant changes compared with the initial plan” to assuage industry fears that strict rules could harm the competitiveness of the European car market.
According to environmental campaign group, Greenpeace, the German auto giant has been lobbying the EU in an attempt to weaken the initial proposals.
The news that so-called super-credits have indeed been weakened gives the green charity fresh ammunition in its ‘VW: The Dark Side’ campaign through which it accuses the firm of opposing key environmental laws. Greenpeace campaign recently stormed the company’s presentation of its new Golf at the Paris Motor Show hanging a banner which read “Volkswagen Nous Enfume” (Volkswagen is creating a smokescreen).
Super-credits will enable the carmakers to continue to make gas-guzzling vehicles by earning credits for the manufacture of electric and other ultra-low carbon vehicles.
The suggestion that the criteria for earning super-credits has been weakened will not please T&E as the environmental transport group releases new research this morning which suggests that strict new CO2 standards could actually be good for European competitiveness and jobs in the industry (see story).
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
October 12, 2012
Filed under: Volkswagen
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