Currently, transport is the second largest expenditure for European households. An average EU household spends €1,900 per person and year on transport. That is 13% of his total consumption, only excelled by costs for housing. In the EU, people spend more money on transport than on food. When looking at the specific expenditure within the transport sector, the operation of personal transport equipment is by far the largest expenditure. In almost all cases, operating the vehicle is more than double the actual purchase of the vehicle. The Italian consumer organization Altroconsumo tested the real fuel consumption of two cars (Fiat Panda and Volkswagen Golf). The cars consumed up to 50 per cent more fuel than officially claimed – leading to additional fuel costs of 250-500€ per year (far more than saved by reduced car tax due to distorted CO2 emission data). By closing the gap, this money could be spent on other goods and services boosting national economies and employment. In addition, further development in low carbon, fuel-efficient vehicles would increase the consumer benefit even more: A target of 70g/km for cars in 2025 would save a new car buyer €350 every year and payback the costs of technology within 3 years. The savings outlined are calculated on a typical mileage of private drivers. But company cars often have a mileage four times as high. As consequence, the benefit for fleet operators by realistic fuel consumption data – and real world efficiency – quadruples as well.
Member States face major challenges that will affect not only current but also future generations: The economic crisis that has led to a substantial increase in public debts and the climate change. Both problems are linked to the growing gap. Distorted fuel consumption and CO2 emission values lead to a significant reduction in tax revenue. In Germany, for instance, the estimated yearly motor vehicle tax loss has increased to roughly 1.4 billion Euro per year due to the wrong fuel consumption data of manufacturers. This reduces the Member States’ ability to invest money in sustainable transport (expansion of public transportation, construction of cycle paths and incentives for low-emission cars).
