Car manufacturers have cut average new car CO2 emissions by their biggest ever margin, reducing emissions by 3.8% over the first nine months of 2008. The average new car now emits just 158.6g/km, down from 164.9g/km at the end of 2007 and 16.4% down on the 189.8g/km base in 1997.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) ninth annual sustainability report, to be launched today at the House of Commons, shows vehicle manufacturers continue to make significant reductions in the environmental impact of its products, throughout the whole life cycle of the vehicle.
“Despite the current difficulties there should be no doubt about the industry’s willingness and desire to keep delivering products that are cleaner, safer and more fuel efficient,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “My plea to government is that urgent action is required to support the manufacturing sector during the testing times that lay ahead. SMMT and colleagues across the industry are ready to help and support those efforts.”
The report shows that the energy needed to produce each vehicle is down 12%, water use is down 9% and waste to landfill is down 25%, compared to 2006 performance. CO2 emissions per vehicle produced have fallen 14% in the last year, and by 45% since 1999 and almost 10,000 tonnes of waste have been prevented from entering landfill sites.
However, economic uncertainty, falling new car registrations and car taxation changes mean that industry faces a significant challenge if it is to continue this level of improvement in the future. An ageing parc threatens the progress made in many areas because, on average, new vehicles emit less CO2, produce fewer air pollutants, and are quieter and safer than older models.
Everitt continued: “The automotive industry is a
Concerns raised by the report relate to employment and highlight how the closure of vehicle manufacturing plants in the
The ninth annual report collected data from signatories representing 98% of
