The European Union has this week proposed a 30 per cent cut in CO2 emissions from cars and vans by 2030.
The move is designed to put further pressure on VMs to develop more hybrid and electric cars.
Manufacturers achieving a share of zero- and low-emission vehicles, which is higher than the proposed benchmark level of 15 per cent in 2025 and 30 per cent in 2030, will be rewarded in the form of a less strict CO2 target.
The proposed framework builds on the current regulations setting CO2 emission standards for cars and vans which will be repealed on 1 January, 2020.
European Commission vice-president for energy, Maroš Šefčovič said: “Today’s set of proposals is setting the conditions for European manufacturers to lead the global energy transition rather than follow others.
“It will entice them to manufacture the best, cleanest and most competitive cars, hence regaining consumers’ trust.”
EU governments and the European Parliament will need to agree to the Commission’s proposals.