CO₂ Regulations Worldwide - A Challenge for the Automotive Industry?

Authors

Dr.-Ing. E.h. J. Liebl, Dr. C. Cozzarini, Dipl.-Ing. G. Schmitz, BMW Group, München

Year

2008

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Reihe 12, Nr. 672

Summary

Climate change and the increasing scarcity of fossil fuel resources demand maximum efficiency in energy usage. In response many governments are drawing up plans to drastically reduce fuel consumption and establish consumer-oriented policies, mainly taxation, to encourage the use of efficient technologies. CO2-based taxes and the high cost of fuel are already influencing the purchasing decisions of customers. On the producers’ side, statutory requirements combined with more demanding testing procedures are bound to result in higher development costs.

The interaction between the new legislation, advanced technology and consumer expectation is key to the rapid spread of CO2-reducing measures on the world’s markets.

Appropriate lead times are needed to develop these measures at the level of quality that customers have come to expect. Responsible legislation must take these lead time requirements into account.

Reductions in CO2 emissions must be considered in combination with characteristics that customers place value on, such as safety, comfort and driving performance, and failure to do so will result in market losses. A legislation on CO2 consumption which is harmonised on an international level and at the same time focused on the potential for increasing efficiency in the various market sectors, is key to a successful CO2 reduction strategy.

Only this strategy will lead automotive manufacturers and the supply industry to a surge in innovation. Exorbitant legislative demands will bring about just the opposite effect and may lead to troubled times for the entire industry.

With its EfficientDynamics(TM) Program, the BMW Group has shown that a fleet-wide approach that combines less fuel consumption with greater driving pleasure can do a great deal to reduce emissions and the threat of climate change.

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