Germany Forces Delay in Europe’s Vote on CO2 Rules

Germany has persuaded the European Union to postpone a vote scheduled for today to require carmakers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from their combined fleet to 95 g/km by 2020.

German Chancellor Angela Market won the delay by personally requesting a postponement in a call to EU President Enda Kenny.

Kenny, who also is Ireland's prime minster, had brokered an agreement on Monday among other EU members. The deal broadened the ability of carmakers to earn "supercredits" for selling ultra-clean vehicles that could be used to partially offset the sale of less efficient models.

Proponents say the measure, which sets separate emission standards for carmakers depending upon their model mix, would encourage development of advanced powertrains while lowering CO₂ emissions.

But Germany claims even the brokered agreement continues to favor small-car specialists such as Fiat SpA and penalize German makers of larger and powerful luxury vehicles.

Media reports say Germany wants to stall a vote until after it holds national elections in September. Critics say the country, which lacks enough clout to defeat the proposal, also hopes to gain more support for its position from other EU members.