EU Delays Carbon Dioxide Standard Again

The European Union has agreed to postpone a plan to require the region's new-vehicle fleet to cut carbon dioxide emissions to 95 g/km by 2020 from about 132 g/km in 2012.

Member nations agreed to delay until Oct. 14 a discussion and possible vote on a new proposal from Germany, according to media reports.

The European Commission finalized the 95 g/km target in June. But the measure has been awaiting a final vote by the European Parliament. Germany opposes the measure on behalf of its car makers Audi, BMW and Daimler. It claims the standard would cause an economic slump in the country.

Automotive News Europe says Germany's latest plan would apply the proposed CO₂ target to 80% of cars made in 2020. The percentage would then increase five points per year until reaching 100% in 2024.

Germany garnered support for its proposal from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the U.K., according to ANE. Media reports last month say Germany also had coaxed Renault and PSA Peugeot Citroen which have alliances with Daimler and BMW, respectively to support a phased implementation.