Average CO2 emissions drop to record low

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has published the results of its New Car CO2 Report 2016 which found that average CO2 emissions are at their lowest ever levels.

The report cited that the average CO2 emissions in 2015 were 121.4 g/km, 2.6 per cent then the levels recorded in 2014 and 26.4 per cent better than the amount of CO2 released in 2007. The study also concluded that the UK is 6.6 per cent below the European Union’s 2015 average of 130 g/km, claiming that the use of diesel cars played an important role in achieving the figures.

The 2016 report also urged that plug-in vehicle registrations needed to continue market growth in order to meet future targets. It said a profession of 4.8 per cent per year was required to achieve the EU’s target of an average 95 g/km CO2 by 2021.

The data was taken from the manufacturer’s official CO2 statistics, calculated using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), which is also used to quantify how much Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) a car owner owes. However, the cycle has been recognised as unfit for purpose and will be replaced by the World Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) and the Real Driving Emissions (RDE), in Europe.

The SMMT report concludes that new cars are around 20 per cent cleaner than old models. It predicts that the drop in average emissions figures will continue as long as fleet models are replaced and cars renewed.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "Air quality and emissions are issues the motor industry takes very seriously. Automotive manufacturers are dedicated to producing the cleanest ever vehicles and invest billions developing innovative new technologies to improve our air. We believe this record of progress is one that needs to be told."

Read more