UK government wants to uphold CO2 rules in no-deal Brexit

The UK government said that it would try not to impose extra burdens on the auto industry for reporting carbon dioxide emissions if it leaves the European Union without a deal, but that it would seek to maintain ambitious rules.

"The UK would ensure continuity to minimize the additional requirements placed on industry and would ensure that the UK's commitment to maintaining regulations that are at least as ambitious as current arrangements is met," it said in a note.

EU rules in effect from 2020 to 2021 will force new cars to average 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer, with automakers facing hundreds of millions of euros in potential fines for non-compliance. The current EU-mandated average is 130 g/km.

After years of decline, overall CO2 emissions in Europe have started to rise as drivers abandon diesel cars following the Volkswagen scandal and turn to gasoline models, which emit more CO2.

Automotive News Europe contributed to this report

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