SMMT attacks emissions targets

“We are seriously concerned about the affect that will have on the high value end of the UK motor industry,” an SMMT spokesman said. He said the current European target to reduce emissions to 130g/km was already a challenge for carmakers with high cost bases. “This government message will send shivers down the spines of senior executives,” the spokesman said. “It's arbitrary, damaging and pie in the sky.” The SMMT argued that the UK government was trying to take the lead in Europe on climate change without understanding the cost to industry. The spokesman said manufacturers were making progress in cutting emissions from mainstream cars and pointed out the Citroen 1.6 HDi had already attained tailpipe figures of 120g/km.