UK Automotive Industry Ask for Level Playing on Emissions Trading

The UK automotive industry wants a level standard across Europe for emissions trading, the House of Lords European Union Select Committee heard last week.

SMMT representatives presented evidence to the Committee, explaining that many UK plants have already fitted advanced emission control kits and work to a higher standard than some of their continental counterparts. A further concern of the motor manufacturers society was that in some countries, automotive plants seem to be able to avoid the need to trade emissions altogether.

Head of communications, economics and policy, Mr Everitt commented, “The industry is committed to meeting its environmental responsibilities and we have already made substantial progress in improving energy efficiency in our production facilities. The sector operates on an international stage and we must ensure that industry in the UK is not disadvantaged by over zealous implementation. It is essential that there is a level playing field across Europe and that early action by manufacturers to reduce emissions is not penalised.”

The motor industry witnesses were Paul Everitt, Head of communications, economics and policy, SMMT; Mike Hawes, Head of corporate and government affairs, Toyota Motor Europe; Paul Roberts, Senior manager, facilities, Honda of the UK Manufacturing; and Chris Rogers, Head of corporate affairs, Honda Motor Europe.