Expert says emission targets can be hit

• 130g/km CO2 target under the spotlight
• EU to debate proposed limits next month
• Large luxury cars are key to hitting target

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Car makers' claims that they will be unable to meet proposed emissions targets by 2012 have been dismissed by an independent expert.

The European Union is meeting on October 16 to discuss the feasibility of reducing average carbon dioxide emissions of new cars to 130g/km by 2012.

However, many car manufacturers are arguing that the target is unrealistic, and that they will need more time to reach it.

Now a report by car industry expert Dr Paul Nieuwenhuis from Cardiff University claims that the EU targets are achievable - but only if builders of large luxury cars are prepared to invest in lightweight technology.

With hybrid technology and alternative fuels alone are not sufficient to lower carbon dioxide emissions, Nieuwenhuis says that the car industry must develop a new breed of large vehicles using lightweight technology.

Despite his claims, Nieuwenhuis does advocate the EU staggering the introduction of its carbon dioxide targets.

He suggests the 130g/km rule should initially apply to mass-produced vehicles selling more than 200,000 units a year, before being extended to other vehicles.