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09/03/2010
The average level of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by new cars sold in the UK has fallen by the largest margin yet recorded, according to the motor industry.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that the average new car sold during 2009 emitted 149.5 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km), down 5.4% on 2008's figure of 158.0g/km. Levels have fallen every year since 1997, when the average was 189.8g/km.
The SMMT said that the rate of reduction had been helped by the scrappage scheme - through which the cars sold have had on average 26.8% lower emissions than the cars they replace - in addition to advances made by manufacturers. It added that 27.6% of cars sold now fell within the 130g/km limit that carmakers must average by 2015 if they are to avoid financial penalties.
In addition, a fifth of new cars sold now emit less than 120g/km.
"Vehicle manufacturers have invested heavily in both improving conventional technologies and bringing advanced systems to market that reduce the environmental impact of new vehicles," said SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt.
However, citing a risk that motorists might be deterred from "investing in the latest technology" after the scrappage scheme comes to a close at the end of March, he warned that "a long-term and consistent approach to vehicle taxation and environmental incentives will be important in maintaining the current rate of improvement". This echoes a similar call last week, when Everitt said that "a clear and consistent approach to CO2-based taxation" was essential for sustaining the market's recovery.
Responding to the figures, Richard George, roads and climate campaigner for the Campaign for Better Transport, said that while it was good that cars were "slightly greener" than last year's, "efficiency alone won't be enough to tackle climate change".
"Neither will it do much about the poor air quality which blights our towns and cities, nor the 2,500 people killed each year in road traffic collisions.
"The only feasible solution is to reduce the need to travel, make walking and cycling more attractive and give people affordable, sustainable alternatives to car use," he said.
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