Rochdale MEP secures deal on cleaner cars

Chris Davies MEP

Rochdale MEP Chris Davies has secured a deal to get more miles to the gallon out of new cars.

An average improvement of 30% by 2020 is expected following the outcome of negotiations in Brussels between MEPs and officials from EU governments.

The deal will also secure reductions in CO2 emissions from new cars to 95g per kilometre from the present average of 132g.

And new testing arrangements will be introduced to ensure that performance figures more closely reflect real driving conditions.

The new requirements will apply to every vehicle made here or imported into the European Union.

Mr Davies won parliamentary support for the 95g target back in 2007, and was a member of the negotiating team that has now seen it confirmed in law.

He described it as a win-win outcome that would help the environment while cutting the costs of driving.

He said: "We want to build a stronger, greener economy and this is a great example of doing just that.

"Everyone wants more fuel-efficient cars with low emissions and this will help keep European car manufacturers ahead of the game."

Davies said that changing the test arrangements was also essential to give the public accurate information.

He said: "The way in which cars are tested at present bears no resemblance to the real world. It's been a cheats' charter that must be curbed."

The North West of England gets a major economic boost from making cars and car parts – many of which depend on green technologies for a competitive edge.

A study by the European Commission suggests that the fuel efficiency deal could save as much as £850 for an average driver secure a 6% reduction in UK oil imports by 2020.