EU chief backs strict automobile emissions standards

[MetroMPG]

EU chief backs strict automobile emissions standards

(Which effectively means improved efficiency...)

The EU's 27-member executive commission was due to decide at its regular weekly meeting on plans drafted by EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas that included mandatory emissions limits for new cars as part of a stepped-up EU fight against climate change.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl.../BNStory/Front

The Europeans quote CO2 emissions when they talk about efficiency:

Ahrenkilde Hansen said Mr. Barroso backed Mr. Dimas's draft to introduce EU-wide laws to cut average car emissions to 120 grams per kilometre in 2012. Currently, the average is around 163 grams.

In other words reduce fuel consumption by about 25%.

[The Toecutter]

Meaning by 2012, the average European car will get something like 60-65 mpg US, assuming this standard is met.