Car makers need more time on emissions standards

Europe's car makers are asking the EU for more time to meet stringent new emissions standards, due to come into force in 2012.

The European Union is proposing that all car makers will have to meet a tough average of 130g/km across their product ranges by that date, as Europe seeks to cut CO2 emissions from transport to attempt to put a brake on rising global temperatures.

But in a statement from Fiat boss and president of the cross-industry European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) Sergio Marchionne, the car companies need more time, or at least need the EU to make up its mind on the matter sooner.

"The motor industry must be granted sufficient lead time to meet any new requirements. The first feasible date for that to be accomplished is 2015.

"The announced legislative framework will most likely not be ready before 2009," he said. "By then, the cars of 2012 will have left the drawing tables."

The EU has so far, made no official response to Marchionne's statement, but the meeting he gave it at was attended by EU Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, so Brussels is at least listening.

But is this a case of legislators being unreasonable or car companies being too lazy and inefficient? You tell us...