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France has introduced this year a fairly simple system of bonus/malus for new cars linked to their CO2 emissions (if below 120g/km, you get a few hundred euros bonus, if above 200g/km you pay a couple thousand euro penalty).

The change in the kinds of vehicles sold this year has, so far, been remarkable, with a massive boom for smaller cars (especially those with the best engines, emissions-wise), large drops for bigger cars and more polluting engines, and a massive effort by manufacturers to provide models that fall jsut below the threshholds.

When half-year statistics come out next month, I'll try to do a post.

In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes

by Jerome a Paris (etg@eurotrib.com) on Wed Jun 18th, 2008 at 09:20:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Jerome a Paris:
CO2 emissions

I've always wondered what the difference is between "CO2 emissions" and "carbon-based fuel consumption".

"The future is already here -- it's just not very evenly distributed" William Gibson

by ChrisCook (cojockathotmaildotcom) on Wed Jun 18th, 2008 at 02:49:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Emissions are the by-products of consumption.  

x amount of coal (carbon fuel) produces x/n emissions, where n is: all the stuff that isn't emissions.  


She believed in nothing; only her skepticism kept her from being an atheist. -- Jean-Paul Sartre

by ATinNM on Sat Jun 21st, 2008 at 01:39:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]
In the US people will have a huge fit if you attempt to "discourage new car sales" by adding a, gasp, tax to them.  That's all anyone will hear.  Remember, Americans are idiots.

The above idea of subsidizing trade-ins and giving people a break on the "loss" is a great idea because it doesn't cost much and makes people think they're getting something for free.  I'd also suggest that controlling the size of auto loans is a good idea too, but that's also sacrilegious.

If you want to be genuinely progressive you'll find a way to funnel a substantial amount of money into public transit during a gas-guzzler trade-in program.  If you can generate a billion or two dollars in any given metro area you can seriously jumpstart mass-transit infrastructure.

by paving on Wed Jun 18th, 2008 at 03:16:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]
That's the second time you say that in this thread.

It's overstating the point a bit, isn't it?

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Wed Jun 18th, 2008 at 03:43:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]
unfortunately, no it isnt.

70% of them are morons. i know i just left there beacause i couldnt stand it any more.when i tried to tell them that national health insurance works in europe, i was called a communist. when i tried to tell them that public transport works in europe i was called a moron, this by people who have never been here. i can go on and on and on, but yes for the most part they are total morons. and they are going to pay a terrible price for it.


Life is not a dress rehearsal

by johnfire (johnfire@christopherrehm.com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 05:42:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Um, we're going to pay a price, too.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes
by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Jun 19th, 2008 at 06:07:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]
yes, but europe is better set up to handle what is coming. better support network, better outlook on  the idea we are all in it together. i hope

Life is not a dress rehearsal
by johnfire (johnfire@christopherrehm.com) on Fri Jun 20th, 2008 at 02:57:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

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