Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Directive relating to the availability of consumer information on fuel economy in respect of the marketing of new passenger cars'
Date: 1998-12-02
Institutions: European Economic and Social Committee
Subjects: ESC opinion, consumer information, energy consumption, motor fuel, motor vehicle, motor vehicle industry

15.2.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 40/45

Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the ‘Proposal for a Council Directive
relating to the availability of consumer information on fuel economy in respect of the
marketing of new passenger cars’ (1)

(1999/C 40/14)

On 13 October 1998 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee,
under Article 130s of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, on the
above-mentioned proposal.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to instruct the Section for Single Market,
Production and Consumption to prepare its work on the subject and appointed Mr Herna´ndez
Bataller, as rapporteur-general.

At its 359th plenary session (meeting of 2 December 1998) the Economic and Social Committee
adopted the following opinion by 102 votes in favour with two abstentions.

1.

Introduction

The Community’s strategy to reduce CO2 emis-
1.1.
sions from cars — which represent 12 % of emissions
from all anthropogenic sources in the Community —
consists of three strands:

— an environmental agreement with the manufacturers;

— inclusion of fuel consumption data in all promotional

literature used in the marketing of new cars.

2.3.
It is expressly prohibited to display marks,
symbols or inscriptions relating to fuel consumption
which might cause confusion to potential buyers of new
cars.

— fiscal measures;

2.4.

The Member States will have to:

— a fuel economy information scheme to influence

consumer choice.

— notify the Commission of the competent body
responsible for the functioning of the information
scheme proposed in the directive;

The proposed directive is to be seen as part of

1.2.
this third strand.

— report to the Commission on the effectiveness of the

directive’s provisions;

1.3.
It should be pointed out that a consensus exists
between the interested parties (motor industry, Member
State experts, non-governmental organizations, etc.) on
the need for fuel consumption labelling of new passenger
cars.

— lay down the rules on penalties.

The Commission will be assisted by a committee
2.5.
responsible for adapting the directive to technical
progress.

2. Content of the directive

3. General comments

2.1.
The aim of the directive is to ensure that
potential purchasers of new passenger cars on sale in
the Community are provided with precise information
on fuel consumption. In this way the Commission hopes
to influence their choice towards more fuel-efficient
models.

2.2.
Besides labelling, the draft directive proposes
that three approaches be followed to achieve its objective:

— distribution of a guide containing fuel economy data
and a list of the top ten most fuel efficient cars;

— display of a poster in showrooms giving fuel con-

sumption data for all models on sale;

(1) OJ C 305, 3.10.1998, p. 2.

3.1.
The Economic and Social Committee warmly
welcomes this proposed Council directive which should
enhance the strategy to reduce CO2 emissions by raising
consumers’ awareness and thus enabling them to make
a better choice. At the same time it will reduce the
consumption of non-renewable fuels, for which the
Community is heavily dependent on external sources.

3.1.1.
The Committee urges the Commission to
continue presenting proposals of this nature as they
make for more transparent prices and thus benefit both
the consumer and free competition.

3.1.2.
The legal basis for the proposal is Article 130s.
However, being concerned with the consumer’s right to
information, it could also be based jointly on Article 129a
as it supplements Member State policies to ensure that
consumers are properly informed.

C 40/46

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

15.2.1999

3.2.
The Committee considers that the proposal is
in accord with the subsidiarity and proportionality
principles insofar as (a) the Community measures leave
the Member States sufficient freedom of action, this
being a ‘minimal’ directive and (b) Community inter-
vention is confined to what is necessary and appropriate
to achieve its objectives.

3.2.1.
The Committee has repeatedly pointed to the
need for a study to measure the overall impact on energy
consumption of all the modifications introduced in
passenger vehicles including heavy goods transport
(stricter safety standards, reduction of noise levels, new
fuel qualities, recycling of used vehicles). The Committee
feels that the implementation of a further measure as
part of the same strategy should finally act as a catalyst
for such a study.

3.3.
The Commission rightly considers it essential to
present comparative information on the fuel consump-
tion of different vehicles.

One of the key points noted in the explanatory memor-
andum to the proposal is the choice of vehicle types to
be compared, i.e. whether to present a comparison of a
vehicle’s fuel consumption with all other cars on the
market or a comparison with similar vehicles.

3.4.
The Committee thinks the second option should
be chosen. It is possible that consumers might change
their choice within a particular group of cars when they
compare fuel consumption or even the potential harm
to the environment. But it is unlikely, not to say
impossible, that this would induce them to change to a
different group altogether.

3.4.1. Nevertheless, the Committee considers that the
Commission should in future define the classes or
categories of vehicles so as to make the proposed
information scheme more coherent.

Brussels, 2 December 1998.

3.5.
It should be made clearer that the directive is
also aimed at vehicles manufactured in third countries
but marketed in the EU.

The Committee would once again remind the Com-
mission that in its conclusions the Environment Council
of 23 March 1998 called on the Commission to check
that the main vehicle manufacturing countries apply
similar CO2 reduction systems to those in Europe,
including consumer information schemes as dealt with
in this document.

4. Specific comments

4.1.
Although the directive is aimed at new passenger
cars, it has to be borne in mind that such vehicles cause
environmental problems when they cease to be new, i.e.
as they are used.

4.2. With regard to the articles of the proposed
directive and its annexes, the following comments need
to be made:

4.2.1.
Article 2. It is difficult to distinguish between
the proposed definitions of ‘variants’ and ‘versions’ and
they should be clarified.

Article 4, first paragraph. International motor
4.2.2.
shows should be included; many visitors may decide to
buy a particular car at such events.

Specialist magazines are also important factors in the
consumer’s decision; a study should therefore be made
of how they can be included in this consumer information
scheme so that they cooperate with the bodies responsible
for the application and operation of the scheme.

4.2.3.
Article 6. Not only dealers should have to
display the posters; they should also have to be displayed
at international motor shows.

Annex I. Because of the impact that it may
4.2.4.
have,
it would be advisable to give the maximum
consumption of the vehicle for the different use cycles
(road, urban, mixed), especially the urban.

4.2.5.
must be displayed in a clearly visible place.

Annex III. It should be stated that the poster

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Beatrice RANGONI MACHIAVELLI