- Emissions of new cars fell 3.5% in 2010 and by over 20% since 2000.
- Sub 130g/km CO2 cars represent almost 40% of the market vs less than 1% in 2000.
- Government taxation and incentives should provide long-term rewards for those buying the most efficient vehicles.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) today issued its 10th annual New Car CO2 Report that shows ongoing reductions in average emissions of new cars. 2010 figures drop by 3.5% on the previous year to 144.2g/km CO2 (equivalent to about 50mpg), down by over 20% since 2000.
The Report shows that in 2010, almost 40% of cars had emissions below 130g/km CO2 – the European fleet emissions target for 2015. Additionally, nearly 40,000 vehicles were exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) with emissions under 100g/km (equivalent to about 70mpg). Reductions in average emissions were made across all model segments vs 2009 levels, contributing to the significant drop over the past decade. Luxury saloons and MPVs made the biggest reduction over the past year, falling 6.4% and 6.0% respectively on 2009 figures and Executive (-28.1%) and Mini (-25.8%) segments recorded the biggest improvements against the levels of 2000.
“New technology has delivered impressive reductions in CO2 emissions but coordinated action, to support research and development, new infrastructure and consumer incentives, is critical to securing significant future advances,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “The economic and political challenges of high fuel prices, energy security and climate change are shared issues that must be addressed at an international level.”
Each of the four lowest emitting VED bands (ranging from 0 to 130g/km CO2) increased in popularity representing almost 38.2% of the new car market, compared to less than 0.9% in 2000. This marks a positive move for industry as all manufacturers must reach a Europe-wide average for their vehicle fleets of 130g/km CO2 by 2015.
Click on the link to download the SMMT New Car CO2 Report 2011.
