Last week in Strasbourg, MEP's adopted their position on future CO2 emission reduction standards for cars and vans in Europe. Carmakers will have to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40% by 2030, with an interim 20% cut by 2025 compared to 2020. The benchmark for zero-and low-emission vehicles is raised to 20% in 2025 and 35% in 2030, with a robust incentive mechanism to drive investments in clean car technology in Europe.

Responding to the Dieselgate scandal, MEP’s also adopted a number of flanking measures, including a Real Driving Emissions test, complementing the WTLP test, which should be introduced by 2023. Road transport is responsible for more than 20% of EU climate pollution, and in contrast to other sectors, its emissions are growing.

ALDE shadow rapporteur, Nils Torvalds MEP, commented after the vote:

"I welcome the adoption of today’s ambitious targets, which will help to reduce CO2 emissions, improve air quality and reduce fuel costs for consumers.”

“Liberal and Democrat MEPs are committed to standing on an ambitious environmental platform at next year’s European elections. We have to keep up the fight for ambitious CO2 reduction targets across the board in Europe, if we are to deliver on our COP21 commitments.”

“For the car of tomorrow, for the European car industry and #climate, we must pursue ambitious #co2targets and develop it much faster than we are doing now!” says @GerbenJanGerbrandy #EPlenary #oneplanet pic.twitter.com/magrk9Yf55

— Renew Europe (@RenewEurope) October 4, 2018