EC delays proposal for CO2 labelling for car ads

The CO2/cars labelling directive (1999/94/EC) was due to be revised in December, with the EC expected to push for a ‘traffic lights' system informing consumers about a car's CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency.

However, a spokeswoman for the EC confirmed that plans have been temporarily shelved after the organisation redirected efforts toward its energy and climate change package published this month. An updated CO2/cars labelling directive is unlikely before March.

In the meantime, the EC is working with the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) to create a voluntary code of conduct for automotive marketing activity.

ACEA members - including Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe and Renault - have drafted a code of good advertising practise discourages unsubstantiated environmental claims and displays of dangerous driving. The ACEA is waiting for the EC's feedback on the code.

Separately, the Department for Transport and Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) are currently in talks with UK advertising bodies and pressure groups about how CO2 emission and fuel economy information should be presented on outdoor ads. An announcement is expected early next year.

This article was first published on marketingmagazine.co.uk