Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

EU Will Toughen Car Ads to Curb Gas Guzzlers

Regulations would require CO2, gas mileage info in every advertisement

By Laurel Jorgensen,  Newser Staff

Posted May 16, 2008 2:22 PM CDT

(Newser) – Car ads in Europe will soon have to highlight gas mileage and carbon dioxide emissions under regulations in the works from the European Union, Der Spiegel reports. EU commissioners hope regulating ads will motivate more Europeans to ditch gas-guzzling models, but manufacturers and media execs aren’t happy. The plan could push some automakers to drop their advertising altogether.

An EU strategy document says the proposal is all about “changing habits in consumption and production.” But the plan amounts to a “catastrophe” for print media, a spokesman for the German magazine publisher’s association says. Most German magazines rely on automakers for 20% of their ad revenues, and car manufacturers spend about $2.3 billion on advertising in the country.

Lawmakers in Europe want to see more environmentally friendly cars on the road, like the French 308 Peugeot.
Lawmakers in Europe want to see more environmentally friendly cars on the road, like the French 308 Peugeot.   (Getty Images)
The Citroen Metisse, a diesel hybrid sports concept car from the French automaker Citroen, is on display at the Shanghai Auto 2007 held in Shanghai, China, Saturday, April 21, 2007.
The Citroen Metisse, a diesel hybrid sports concept car from the French automaker Citroen, is on display at the Shanghai Auto 2007 held in Shanghai, China, Saturday, April 21, 2007.   (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
EU commissioners hope restricting car ads will make gas guzzlers -- like the Hummer -- less appealing to Europeans.
EU commissioners hope restricting car ads will make gas guzzlers -- like the Hummer -- less appealing to Europeans.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

CO2 Catcher Could Slow Climate Change

CO2 Emissions 'Will Defer Ice Age'

Canada Slammed for Kyoto Pullout

Copenhagen Talks Will [Doom] [Save] World

EPA Move to Curb Carbon Trumps Copenhagen


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne