Brussels Edition: Changing Gear

The European Parliament gears up for a vote today on tougher carbon-dioxide caps for vehicles. The assembly may set a 45 percent reduction target from 2020 to 2030, significantly deeper than the 30 percent limit proposed by EU regulators, in order to boost electric vehicles. The auto industry has another reason to be jittery: EU governments, which also must approve any new CO2 caps on vehicles, are weighing going beyond the regulators’ proposal at a meeting next week. The European car industry, breadwinner for millions of households across the continent, will have to adapt.