Average new car emissions fell sharply so far in 2008
Tue 15 July 2008
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Average CO2 emissions from new cars sold in the UK fell by 3.64% in the second quarter of 2008 according to the SMMT. Meanwhile, sales of higher carbon cars fell sharply in the first half. According to research by Clean Green Cars, every manufacturer with average new car emissions significantly above 200g/km saw its sales slump from January to June.
The biggest drops in sales were reported by the five car makers with the worst average CO2 output. The worst hit of the car brands were Porsche (sales down 26.5% Jan to June), Saab (down 21.7%), Lexus (down 20%) and Chrysler (down 14.1%).
The figures published by Clean Green Cars, based on SMMT data, show that Fiat and MINI are only mainstream manufacturers whose average tailpipe CO2 is now under 140 g/km - the target figure agreed earlier under the voluntary agreement reached by the car maker associations and the EU. Of the larger vehicle manufacturers, the biggest reduction in CO2 output came from BMW which cut emissions by 11.3% over the last year, whilst other smaller brands such as Hyundai and Subaru achieved cuts of up to nearly 15%.
Jay Nagley of Clean Green Cars said: "Some manufacturers have delivered on their promise, but the vast majority have to raise their game significantly.”
“What is interesting is that, as fuel prices rocket and the new car market falters, car makers with the highest emissions are being punished by the consumer. They have been complaining about pressure from the EU to meet what they say are ‘unrealistic’ targets. Now they are having to face much stiffer targets from the people that really matter: consumers.”
Commenting on the drop in new car average CO2 emissions during the first half (and, particularly, the second-quarter of 2008) Paul Everitt, the Chief Executive of SMMT said: “The reductions are significant and sustained and will increase as more fuel-efficient cars come to market."
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