Rochdale Euro-MP wins fight for greener cars

Chris Davies MEP

New cars are set to be greener after a Rochdale Euro-MP helped persuade the EU to maintain a crack down on harmful air-conditioning.

Liberal Democrat Chris Davies is praising EU rules that have led to the creation of a new chemical product.

A European law agreed in 2006 says that all new types of car manufactured from January 2011 must use a coolant in air conditioning systems that will not contribute to the problem of global warming.

Davies said: "EU regulations get criticised a lot, but they can also create new market opportunities and drive forward innovation.

"It is only through technological progress like this that we can overcome the threats that mankind faces on the planet."

At present systems in all cars use a chemical that is 1,500 times more likely to cause climate change than carbon dioxide.

Car makers tried to push back the deadline, arguing that suitable alternative products would not be available in time, but a lobbying campaign led by Davies persuaded the European Commission to hold firm.

Chemical companies have now developed a new product, HFC1234, that can be used without any changes being made in the design of air conditioning systems.