The targets will be gradually enforced over the next decade, with manufacturers expected to have 70% of their van fleet emitting 175g/km CO2 or less by 2014. This increases to 75% the following year, 80% by 1016 and 100% from 2017.

The carmaker says it's safe in the knowledge that its fleet of HDi-powered vans already meets the initial target, set for 2014. Meanwhile its 207, Bipper and Partner van ranges with HDi technology already offer models well below the longer-term target of 147g/km CO2, which is set for introduction in 2020, subject to a review in two years’ time. And these vans will help bring the overall fleet figure well within the 2014 target.

This includes the Partner, with its HDi 90 FAP diesel engine, which has CO2 emissions of 140g/km and will be launched this April in a Stop and Start version with emissions of 129g/km. Later in the summer an electronically controlled manual gearbox (EGC) will be added to the Stop and Start Partner, meaning that this model will emit 124g/km CO2.

Peugeot says it's using a combination of technologies to bring down emissions, including Stop & Start technology and EGC gearboxes, and that it's also phasing in Euro 5 FAP engines right across the range.