Report: Most Carmakers Likely to Miss EU’s CO2 Standard for 2021

Only four of Europe’s 12 largest carmakers appear likely to meet European Union’s goal of reducing average carbon dioxide emissions from cars to 95 grams per kilometer by 2021, says London-based research group PA Consulting Group.

PSA Group, Renault-Nissan, Toyota and Volvo are on track to meet the requirement, according to PA. The standard sets a CO₂ target for each manufacturer based on the average weight of the models it makes. Achieving the limits will involve a combination of lighter vehicles, smaller piston engines and a significant use of hybrid and all-electric powertrains.

Companies facing a shortfall are BMW, Daimler, General Motors, FCA Group, Ford, Hyundai-Kia, Jaguar Land Rover and VW, according to PA.

The firm notes that diesels, which emit about 20% less CO₂ than their gasoline-fueled equivalent engines, are no longer an attractive option because of tightening European limits on emissions of nitrogen oxides.

PA estimates that Volkswagen, FCA Group and BMW could face fines as great as €1 billion, €600 million and €350 million, respectively, for failing to meet their CO₂ goals. PA auto analyst Thomas Goettle tells the Financial Times that carmakers have “no chance” of reaching their numbers without EVs, and some are “struggling quite a lot” to catch up in time.