31 March 2011: The Council of the EU has adopted the first CO2 emission standards for small vans in the EU, introducing a limit of 175g CO2/km for the average CO2 emissions from light commercial vehicles registered in the EU.

The limit will apply to small vans of average mass, while specific targets for individual vehicles will vary according to their weight. The target will be phased in between 2014 and 2017. A long-term target for CO2 emissions of light commercial vehicles in 2020 (147g CO2/km) has been included.

From 2014 onwards, producers will have to pay a penalty if their fleet fails to meet the target: a maximum penalty of EUR 95 per car for exceeding the target has been agreed. From 2017, full compliance will be required from carmakers. [EU press release]