In December 2007, the European Commission proposed binding legislation to push vehicle manufacturers to cut the average emissions of new cars by 18% - from current levels of around 160 grammes of CO2 per kilometre to 130g/km by 2012 - by improving motor technology. A further 10g/km reduction is expected to come from improvements in other areas, including tyres, fuels, air-conditioning and eco-driving.

While 130g/km is an industry-wide goal, the proposed limits vary according to the type of car manufactured. For example, Fiat's target would be stricter (122g) than Volkswagen's (132g), as its cars are smaller and already pollute less.

In light of these differences between car manufacturers, a compromise agreement was reached in in December 2008 whereby CO2 emissions will be gradually limited to 120g/km for 65% of new cars in 2012, 75% in 2013, 80% in 2014 and 100% in 2015.

The Commission has also proposed a new directive for a labelling scheme for tyres as part of the Second Strategic Energy Review. The new law would require tyre manufacturers to display fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise performance information on a sticker at the point of sale as well as in promotional literature.

More info at EurActiv.com.