Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[You didn't think the battle for Opel was over, did you? Belgium reportedly asking EU to investigate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/13/you-didnt-think-the-battle-for-opel-was-over-did-you-belgium/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/13/you-didnt-think-the-battle-for-opel-was-over-did-you-belgium/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/13/you-didnt-think-the-battle-for-opel-was-over-did-you-belgium/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When GM decided to hand 55% of Opel to Magna, you didn't think the Belgians were just going to have some waffles and call it quits, did you? Oh no. Belgium's prime minister made a call to the EU president about the deal, and the EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes told a Belgian newspaper, "If something happens against the rules, I will take action."

According to the prime minister, however, the rules have already been broken. Even though Magna has said it will need to trim more workers than expected, the Belgian leader said, "Financial aid given by a country that guarantees that the factories in their country don't close is against EU rules." The sale to Magna has observers screaming, "Politics!" but has made German Chancellor Angela Merkel look very good in the run-up to elections on September 27; with EU scrutiny all she really needs to hope for is that it takes them longer than two weeks to come to an adverse finding, if that should happen.

Opel labor, however, isn't so pleased anymore now that Magna has said it will need to eliminate more jobs than it originally proposed. Initial estimates put job losses at 2,500 workers in Germany; now the Canadian company is saying 4,100 jobs could be lost. It appears that Opel workers plan to assert themselves if Magna does anything differently than it said it would. In addition, labor wants "a veto right over job cuts, transfer of production or plant closures," which are the kinds of rights VW labor unions have. If you ask us, the dust on this one is nowhere near settled.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]


You didn't think the battle for Opel was over, did you? Belgium reportedly asking EU to investigate originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belgiumcanadaeueu commissioneu competition commissionEuCommissionEuCompetitionCommissioneuropegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgermanygmgovernmentmagnaopelrhjSun, 13 Sep 2009 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pullman drawings leak from European patent office]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/mercedes-benz-e-class-pullman-drawings-leak-from-european-patent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/mercedes-benz-e-class-pullman-drawings-leak-from-european-patent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/04/mercedes-benz-e-class-pullman-drawings-leak-from-european-patent/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pullman patent drawings - Click above for a high-res image gallery

It's no great secret that the European Union's patent office has more leaks than a Soviet submarine, but up until now it's only been small cars that have been able to trickle out (see: the facelifted Mazda MX-5 and Nissan 370Z Roadster). But the dam seems to be giving way as a whole Mercedes limousine has managed to squeeze though and into the public realm, and our European compatriots at Autoblog Spanish have got the sketches to prove it.

Like the spy shots we've seen before, these patent sketches provide further proof that Mercedes is preparing to launch a stretched Pullman version of its new E-Class. Several extension options are apparently being prepared, ranging from a modest wheelbase extension all the way up to a full extra set of doors. Expect all manner of luxury equipment to find its way into the enlarged cabin, from entertainment systems and courtesy lighting to power reclining seats and fold-down picnic tables for that ultimate Grey Poupon experience. Click the thumbnails below to view the patent drawings in high resolution.


Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Clase E Pullman (OAMI)



[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pullman drawings leak from European patent office originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 May 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e classe-classEClasseueu patent officeEuPatentOfficeeuropean unioneuropean union patent officeEuropeanUnionEuropeanUnionPatentOfficelimolimousinemercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz e-classmercedes-benz e-class pullmanMercedes-benzE-classMercedes-benzE-classPullmanpatentpatent officePatentOfficepullmanMon, 04 May 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Clash of the Titans: Fiat reportedly squaring off with European Union over mergers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/clash-of-the-titans-fiat-squares-off-with-european-union-over-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/clash-of-the-titans-fiat-squares-off-with-european-union-over-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/clash-of-the-titans-fiat-squares-off-with-european-union-over-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



According to The Detroit News, Guenter Verheugen, the European Union's Industry Commissioner, lashed out at Fiat on Friday in a radio interview, voicing concerns that the Italian automaker is acting irresponsibly to be considering new mergers and acquisitions when the company is already in debt. The public tongue-lashing from the EU official sent Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne to the microphones to defend his position, asserting that the commissioner's "comments are not helpful to the ultimate goal of re-establishing a sound footing on which to build the future of this industry".

Although Fiat lost half a billion dollars in the first quarter of this year and holds a debt of some $8.6 billion, sources suggest that the pending deal with Chrysler would have Fiat providing technology and expertise but no cash in exchange for a 20% stake in the troubled American automaker. Meanwhile, although Fiat Group chairman Luca di Montezemolo denied the company was pursuing any interest in GM's European subsidiary Opel, Marchionne is now asserting that would consider the possibility, but that no offer had been made to date.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Andrej Isakovic/AFP/Getty]

Clash of the Titans: Fiat reportedly squaring off with European Union over mergers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commissionereueu commissionerEuCommissionereuropean unionEuropeanUnionfiatfiat chryslerfiat opelFiatChryslerFiatOpelmarchionnesergio marchionneSergioMarchionneMon, 27 Apr 2009 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[France's Sarkozy urges verification that U.S. auto aid jibes with world trade rules]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/28/frances-sarkozy-urges-verification-that-u-s-auto-aid-jibes-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/28/frances-sarkozy-urges-verification-that-u-s-auto-aid-jibes-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/28/frances-sarkozy-urges-verification-that-u-s-auto-aid-jibes-wit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The European Union made noises last year about having the WTO verify that the U.S. auto industry assistance package doesn't violate any international trade rules. Now French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said he will ask the World Trade Organization to stick their hands into the matter.

Critics suggest that this could be a diversionary tactic - Sarkozy himself was accused of violating trade rules with his proposed assistance to Renault and PSA Peugeot/Citroen. Or it could be a way to see if both the proposed French and U.S. proposals will pass the WTO test. Either way, Sarkozy and other European heads of state will meet to plan a Europe-wide response to the auto industry situation, as the E.U. continues to mull whether to bring a formal appeal to the WTO regarding the United States' bailout package.

[Source: Automotive News Europe, sub req'd. | Image: Eric Feferberg/AFP/Getty]

France's Sarkozy urges verification that U.S. auto aid jibes with world trade rules originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto industryauto industry bailoutAutoIndustryAutoIndustryBailouteueuroeuropeeuropean unionEuropeanUnionfrancegovernmentnicolas sarkozyNicolasSarkozysarkozyworld trade organizationWorldTradeOrganizationwtoSat, 28 Feb 2009 08:23:00 EST<![CDATA[European Union may complain to WTO over Detroit bailout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/european-union-may-complain-to-wto-over-detroit-bailout/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/european-union-may-complain-to-wto-over-detroit-bailout/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/european-union-may-complain-to-wto-over-detroit-bailout/#commentsFiled under: ,



The US Congress is contemplating a bailout of $25 billion or more for US automakers, and the European Union is watching closely. European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, told Europe 1 Radio that he is prepared to rat out the US government to the World Trade Organization if the EU considers the bailout illegal.

Barroso wants to look over any aid package to determine if it's "illegal state aid." European new car registrations are down 14.5% in recent months, and we're guessing the EU wants to ensure that any relief the US government may give domestic automakers doesn't afford them an unfair advantage overseas. We aren't exactly sure what the WTO could do to stop aid to the domestics, and it would likely be difficult to prove that state aid would help US automakers in Europe, especially since Ford and GM's biggest issues are here at home.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Photo: Dominique Faget/Getty]

European Union may complain to WTO over Detroit bailout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EUgovernment bailoutGovernmentBailoutworld trade organizationWorldTradeOrganizationWTOFri, 14 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Endangered Species: Europe's sportscar makers worried about the future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the European Union tightening restrictions on carbon emissions, danger has been spelled out in big bright letters for the sportscar-makers we know and love. The bulk of the world's best supercar manufacturers - including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Aston Martin and Porsche - reside in Europe, but while industry executives continue to campaign for exception and protection, things don't look good. There are, however, a few solutions that could keep the exotic automakers in business and unmolested.

Firstly, both automakers and lawmakers agree on the need to reduce weight, which helps neither emissions nor performance. However, weight reduction itself won't bring the supercars below the 120g/km target touted by the EU. One possible solution would be to give niche automakers an exemption, noting that the few cars they produce are rarely driven anyway. According to Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, exotic automakers like his "are representing Europe to the world" and "are a species to protect", much like an art form. That's something we car lovers can appreciate, and if it strikes a cord with the lawmakers it could help some of the smaller independent automakers like Aston Martin and Lotus, but it won't help the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, which are part of bigger auto groups Fiat and Volkswagen, respectively. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has argued that it would be unreasonable to force low-polluting little Fiats like the Panda and the 500 to bear the burden of their more polluting cousins from Ferrari and Maserati simply because they happen to be under common management.

At the end of the day, these exotic sportscars are not the big problem, though they do make easy targets. If European Union bureaucrats ignore the former and focus on the latter, Europe's most famous automakers could be legislated right out of business.

[Source: Reuters]

Endangered Species: Europe's sportscar makers worried about the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2emissionseueuropean sports carseuropean unionEuropeanSportsCarsEuropeanUnionlegislationlow volume emissions exemptionLowVolumeEmissionsExemptionniche automakersNicheAutomakersregulationsTue, 05 Aug 2008 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[EU grants Porsche permission to purchase VW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/eu-grants-porsche-permission-to-purchase-vw/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/eu-grants-porsche-permission-to-purchase-vw/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/eu-grants-porsche-permission-to-purchase-vw/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Porsche is one step closer to its goal of purchasing Volkswagen. Back in April of last year, the German automaker passed the 30-percent mark, forcing it to make an outright offer for The Volkswagen Group in its entirety, which it did. Not too many VW shareholders sold their stake to Porsche, as the bid was for the bare minimum amount allowed by law. Still, the legal requirement had been met, allowing Porsche to continue gobbling up the automaker according to its own timetable. Earlier this year, the VeeDub board approved a request by Porsche to obtain 51-percent of the company for some $15.73 billion, which would give it a majority stake. Before the house that Ferdinand built could complete its acquisition, the European Commission required it to make one last purchase, which took place in June of this year. Finally, the EU has granted its permission for the buyout.

This story is likely far from over, as the German State of Lower Saxony still claims a 20-percent stake in Volkswagen, which gives it certain rights to block decisions made by VW's new parents. Still, it seems that its only a matter of time before VW and Porsche are united under a different Ferdinand... Piech that is, grandson to Mr. Porsche himself.

[Source: Reuters]

EU grants Porsche permission to purchase VW originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eueuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionlower saxonyLowerSaxonyporscheporsche volkswagenPorscheVolkswagenvolkswagenvolkswagen lawVolkswagenLawThu, 24 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche gobbles up more of VW while takeover is delayed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/porsche-gobbles-up-more-of-vw-while-takeover-is-delayed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/porsche-gobbles-up-more-of-vw-while-takeover-is-delayed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/porsche-gobbles-up-more-of-vw-while-takeover-is-delayed/#commentsFiled under: ,


A procedural glitch, as opposed to Berlin-based intrigue, has postponed Porsche's plan to take over Volkswagen. The EU Commission requires a company to have a controlling interest in a company, or at least an agreement for such, before it will consider a company's application for regulatory approval. To straighten things out, Porsche has raised its stake in VW from 30.6 percent to 35.5 percent, which effectively grants it control of the much larger carmaker.

There's still that issue of the Volkswagen Law and Lower Saxony's refusal to give up the fight for its minority-majority stake. Lower Saxony, the state that is home to VW and 150,000 workers who don't want to lose their jobs, just bought another 500,000 shares in VW to maintain its position.

The EU Commission, however, has already said that Lower Saxony cannot use the VW Law to maintain control. That makes Porsche the fox outside the henhouse, waiting on the inevitable moment when EU officers will come and unlock the doors. Even better for the sports car maker, because Porsche hedged the purchase of its VW stake with cash-settled derivatives, it is assumed to have only spent a "a fraction" of the published price for controlling interest.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Porsche gobbles up more of VW while takeover is delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eulower saxonyLowerSaxonyporscheporsche buying vwPorscheBuyingVwvolkswagen lawVolkswagenLawvwvw lawVwLawFri, 20 Jun 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[EU calls for "health warnings" on car ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/10/eu-calls-for-health-warnings-on-car-ads/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



How much do marketing angles play into consumer choices? The European Union apparently thinks a lot. For instance, we've recently seen all tobacco sponsorships pulled from motorsports, such as the world's most popular, Formula 1. Now it seems that automobile advertisements will be the next form of media ordered to clean up its act. Potential new rules that are currently in draft form and up for review by the College of Commissioners call for the inclusion of fuel consumption and carbon emission warnings on all vehicle advertisements, just like health warnings are included on packs of cigarettes. It is suspected that the legislation follows a previously published report that suggests 20 percent of every automobile ad should address environmental concerns. Arguments against the proposition claim that it will lead to lost revenue from decreased advertising by automakers who don't want to publicize how dirty their cars are. Would the Bugatti Veyron buyer really be swayed from his or her decision by seeing a single digit city fuel economy rating staring back from within the pages of Robb Report? We think not.

[Source: Autocar UK]

EU calls for "health warnings" on car ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CO2EmissonsEUeuropeEuropean unionEuropeanUnionMPGukTue, 10 Jun 2008 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[EU calls on F1 to switch to four-cylinders, bio-fuels and hybrids]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/eu-calls-on-f1-to-switch-to-four-cylinders-bio-fuels-and-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/eu-calls-on-f1-to-switch-to-four-cylinders-bio-fuels-and-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/eu-calls-on-f1-to-switch-to-four-cylinders-bio-fuels-and-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The European Parliament has called for Formula One to adopt more environmentally-friendly engine alternatives, and the FIA seems to be all for it.

The CARS 21 report, passed with 607 EU legislators in favor, 76 against and 14 abstentions, praised the FIA's actions to make F1 greener, but called on the sanctioning body to do more. The report concluded by calling on the FIA to revise its formula to include "environmentally friendly technologies like bio-fuels, four-cylinder engines or hybrid". FIA president Max Mosley, who has been vocal in his desire to make F1 greener, subsequently issued a statement supporting the EU report.

Several racing series - including A1GP, ALMS, Champ Cars and IndyCars - are now running on bio-fuels, and Formula One has been toying with electric hybrid regenerative braking technologies. As we reported earlier, the moratorium on engine development in F1 was shortened from ten years to five, and the FIA is preparing to launch a new engine formula within the next couple of years. If regulatory bodies like the EU and the FIA get their way, F1 cars in a few years could be powered by four-cylinder electric-ethanol hybrids.

[Source: Autosport]

EU calls on F1 to switch to four-cylinders, bio-fuels and hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bio-fuelenvironmentaleueuropeanfiafour-cylindergreenhybridparliamentunionWed, 16 Jan 2008 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Pedestrian safety inspires EU to consider better brake requirement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/15/pedestrian-safety-inspires-eu-to-consider-better-brake-requireme/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/15/pedestrian-safety-inspires-eu-to-consider-better-brake-requireme/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/15/pedestrian-safety-inspires-eu-to-consider-better-brake-requireme/#commentsFiled under: ,



Every time we hear that the European Commission has come up with a new proposal for the car industry, the general consensus amongst the Autoblog team has been 'oh no, not another one.' This time around, the Commission's latest proposal actually makes sense to us and is something we'd like to see implemented in other parts of the globe. Officials on Monday proposed that all new cars be fitted with an advanced braking system that can detect an emergency and cut reaction times for applying the brakes.

The hope is that all cars from 2009 onwards will feature new Brake Assist Systems as part of a greater plan to protect pedestrians. The set-up works by releasing pressurized brake fluid into the braking system as soon as the driver touches the brake pedal, applying greater stopping power in an instant.

Up to 1,100 lives could be saved each year, according to European Union officials. The good news is that the auto industry is also backing the proposal and the costs involved are expected to be minimal.

[Source: Detroit News]

Pedestrian safety inspires EU to consider better brake requirement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brake Assist SystemBrakeAssistSystembrakesEUMon, 15 Oct 2007 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Attention: EU may add warning labels to car adverts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/23/attention-eu-may-add-warning-labels-to-car-adverts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/23/attention-eu-may-add-warning-labels-to-car-adverts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/23/attention-eu-may-add-warning-labels-to-car-adverts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We see it every day on TVs here in the states; commercials complete with warnings about side effects that range from impotence, vomiting, or uncontrollable bowel movements. And that's just for curing toenail fungus. The European Union is noodling the idea of using warnings in car commercials, with the aim of arming consumers with the knowledge of how the vehicle impacts the environment. While requiring automakers to include CO2 and fuel use impact in their advertising seems like a decent idea, the rest of the EU proposal would never fly here in the US. The proposal also calls for limiting all vehicle speed limits to 101 MPH, with the rationale that it makes no sense that automakers increased power by 28% since 1994 even though no country raised their speed limits. Blame it on the Autobahn -- it's hard to raise the limit above "no speed limit."

The proposal, which will be debated by the European Parliament in October, also recommends banning all advertising that promotes high speed driving capabilities, which makes zero sense if the EU bans driving over 101 MPH anyway.

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

Attention: EU may add warning labels to car adverts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Sep 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Car ad warningsCarAdWarningsEUEuropean UnionEuropeanUnionSun, 23 Sep 2007 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Aw Snap! Poll reveals most Germans want speed limit on Autobahn]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/aw-snap-poll-reveals-most-germans-want-speed-limit-on-autobahn/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/aw-snap-poll-reveals-most-germans-want-speed-limit-on-autobahn/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/16/aw-snap-poll-reveals-most-germans-want-speed-limit-on-autobahn/#commentsFiled under:



Three days ago we scoffed at an EU official's suggestion that a speed limit should be applied to the remaining sections of Germany's famous Autobahn that remain free to speed. While reports indicated that speed-loving Germans were up in arms over the idea, a recent poll shows that two in three believe a speed limit should be instituted. Whaa? Conducted by ZDF television, the poll showed that 54% of those surveyed favor an 80 mph speed limit, while 10% would like a limit even lower. There were still around 35% of the respondents, which would thankfully include German Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee if he were polled, who don't want a speed limit at all.

The controversy over speed limits on the Autobahn stems from suggestions that an over excited right foot leads to lots of wasted energy, which obviously ain't too good for the environment. Interestingly, the survey also showed that 56% of those polled think flights should be taxed more because of their negative impact on the environment. Yeah, that's right! Cap our cars, we'll tax your planes!

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Aw Snap! Poll reveals most Germans want speed limit on Autobahn originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobahnEUEuropean UnionEuropeanUnionpollspeed limitspeed limitsSpeedLimitSpeedLimitssurveyFri, 16 Mar 2007 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[EU wants to cap speeds on Autobahn]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/eu-wants-to-cap-speeds-on-autobahn/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/eu-wants-to-cap-speeds-on-autobahn/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/eu-wants-to-cap-speeds-on-autobahn/#commentsFiled under: ,



Say it ain't so. An EU official has gone on record suggesting that Germans should give up their beloved freedom to speed on stretches of the country's famed Autobahn in deference to the EU's more aggressive climate change policy. Reports from Germany are that the nation's people find the suggestion ludicrous, farcical and a downright threat to their freedom. The popular German slogan "free driving for free citizens" has been ringing out on internet sites collecting reactions to the proposal.

It certainly doesn't sound as if capping the speed limit across the Autobahn is going to happen, but nevertheless a debate has begun about what many consider to be a waste of fuel and needless emissions created by blasts down the Autobahn. While it's tough to argue that most people travelling at triple digit speeds aren't doing it just for fun, instituting a general speed limit based on the argument that energy is needlessly wasted strikes us a slippery slope. Formula 1, on those grounds, is a needless waste of energy, or at least one fans could forego. All motorsports, for that matter, could be targeted with this argument.

It seems to us that the proper way to address unlimited speed on the Autobahn and the extra emissions it creates are to encourage automakers and entrepenuers to develop high-performance sports cars that are also more environmentally friendly. Freedom not only includes the choice to drive fast, but also to do so in an environmentally responsible way if one's available.

[Source: Indystar]

EU wants to cap speeds on Autobahn originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobahncapEUEuropean UnionEuropeanUniongermanyspeed limitSpeedLimitTue, 13 Mar 2007 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[One license to rule them all: Euro-wide driver's license approved]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/16/one-license-to-rule-them-all-euro-wide-drivers-license-approve/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/16/one-license-to-rule-them-all-euro-wide-drivers-license-approve/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/16/one-license-to-rule-them-all-euro-wide-drivers-license-approve/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday, the European Parliament made way for a new law that would standardize all 110 licenses currently employed by the 200 million inhabitants of the European Union.

The move to issue one license throughout the EU came at the behest of both legislators and safety advocates alike, in an attempt to curtail confusion and eliminate abuses in the current system. A number of problems have arose over the last several years, including the phenomenon of "Driving license tourism", where a person who's had their driving privilege revoked in one country for drunk driving offenses or a medical condition, would then travel to another country to secure a valid license.

This new law would also make staged licensing of motorcyclists mandatory across the EU, where beginners would only be permitted to ride small displacement machines until their competence behind the handlebars was established. The addition of a small microchip inside licenses was also addressed in the new legislation, however such a device would not be mandatory.

As with any bureaucratic endeavor, the status quo will continue for some time, as the law will only go into effect in 2013, with all drivers forced to give up their old licenses by 2033.

[Source: EU Observer, Channel4]

One license to rule them all: Euro-wide driver's license approved originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eueuropean unionEuropeanUnionlicensemotorcyclemotorcyclistpermitSat, 16 Dec 2006 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[High gas prices crippling European growth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/high-gas-prices-crippling-european-growth/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/high-gas-prices-crippling-european-growth/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/high-gas-prices-crippling-european-growth/#commentsFiled under: ,

Or so says Andris Piebalgs, the European Union's energy commissioner. Gas prices in Europe are currently at the equivalent of $6.62/gallon, more than twice the average price of a gallon of go-juice in the U.S. Imagine paying $72.82 to fill your 11-gallon gas tank, or how about $125 to fill your 20-gallon tank? Though we in the U.S. cry foul at $3/gallon gas, Europeans can only remember with envy those days when fuel didn't cost a day's wage. Meanwhile fuel-dependant companies are passing the extra costs right down the line to consumers.

One interesting note is that taxes comprise 66% of the cost of fuel in Europe. As of 2005 gas in the U.S. carried with it federal, state and local taxes that ranged anywhere from 32.9 cents to 62.9 cents per gallon. New York's combined gas tax is the highest in the nation at near 63 cents/gallon, which means at last week's price of $2.914/gallon about 29%, or less than half the amount of taxes Europeans pay, went to the government.

High gas prices crippling European growth originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 May 2006 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EUeuroeuropeeuropean unionEuropeanUnionfuel economyfuel pricefuel pricesFuelEconomyFuelPricegallongas pricegas pricesGasPriceGasPricesliterMon, 01 May 2006 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[EU announces investigation into planned GM aid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/eu-announces-investigation-into-planned-gm-aid/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/eu-announces-investigation-into-planned-gm-aid/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/eu-announces-investigation-into-planned-gm-aid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The European Commission announced yesterday that it is investigating a $6.6 million dollar subsidy grant planned for General Motors of Europe. The aid package was to be supplied by the Belgian regional government in Flanders and go towards training employees at the EuroGeneral's plant in Antwerp.

EU authorities are openly skeptical that the funds would actually go towards funding training, fearing that the hefty subsidy would be used for other non-approved ends. Under state trade rules, national and/or regional governments are banned from giving aid to a non state-owned entity if such arrangements upset EU competition rules.

[Sources: Associated Press via Forbes; paed.uni-muenchen.de]

EU announces investigation into planned GM aid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AntwerpBelgianBelgiumEUEuropean UnionEuropeanUnionGMGM of EuropeGmOfEuropeProbeSubsidyThu, 27 Apr 2006 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Rapeseed of War between food industry, biodiesel advocates]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/rapeseed-of-war-between-food-industry-biodiesel-advocates/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/rapeseed-of-war-between-food-industry-biodiesel-advocates/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/rapeseed-of-war-between-food-industry-biodiesel-advocates/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to the Nutraingredients.com, there is currently a heated debate between the food industry and biodiesel advocates in Europe over the use rapeseed oil. The European Union seeks to increase the percentage of biofuel used in transportation from the current 2.5-pct to 5.7-pct by the year 2010 and rapeseed oil is a major source for the alternative fuel.

It's also a source for many food products such as margarine and sauces. Food industry organizations, such as the International Margarine Association of the Countries of Europe (IMACE), point to the already high price commanded by rapeseed oil in the marketplace. They argue that increasing the biodiesel requirement will negatively impact them and consumers. The biodiesel industry replies that the food industry has the ability to replace rapeseed oil in their products. As for the high price, the industry goes on to say that legislation will have to be implemented anyway to keep biodiesel prices comparable to regular diesel.

Consumer reluctance to purchase imported rapeseed oil has only served to compound the issue.

[Source: Nutraigredients.com]

Rapeseed of War between food industry, biodiesel advocates originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Apr 2006 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuelAlternativeFuelbiodieselcropsecologyenvironmentEUEuropefoodfood industrylegislationmargarinerapeseed oilFri, 07 Apr 2006 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[EU slaps BMW, General Motors, for one-brand only policies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/19/eu-slaps-bmw-general-motors-for-one-brand-only-policies/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/19/eu-slaps-bmw-general-motors-for-one-brand-only-policies/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/19/eu-slaps-bmw-general-motors-for-one-brand-only-policies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Last week, BMW and General Motors notified anti-trust regulators at the European Commission that they will discontinue policies forbidding their European dealers from selling and repairing non-company branded vehicles at their facilities.

Said Jonathan Todd for the European Union, "As a result of our investigation and our contact with the two companies, they have now amended their practices so that consumers will now be able to buy other brands of cars from dealerships that were previously exclusively for BMW, Mini and General Motors."

The ruling was in response to dealership complaints who felt the automakers' policies limited their ability to attract customers by offering a wide variety of products and services.

[Source: CBC News]

EU slaps BMW, General Motors, for one-brand only policies originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Mar 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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