EC publishes official figures for 2009 car CO2 emissions
Tue 16 November 2010
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Average CO2 emissions from new cars sold in the EU dropped by 5% in 2009, the biggest annual fall ever recorded, according to a report published by the European Commission. Meanwhile, T&E has published its latest report on the progress of individual car makers towards the regulated targets for 2015.
The Commission says that the decrease in the power, engine capacity and weight of cars, seen for the first time in 2008, accelerated last year. This was due, it said, to a combination of the economic crisis, the scrappage schemes introduced in some member states and increased demand for and development of more fuel-efficient vehicles.
The Commission says that several large volume manufacturers are expected to reach the 2015 target a few years in advance if the current pace of improvement continues.
Climate action commissioner Connie Hedegaard said: "The latest data shows however that the car industry is on track to achieve the 2015 target and most likely several major manufacturers will be able to do so well in advance. I am glad that in reality EU legislation on reducing CO2 emissions is proving an effective driver of innovation, keeping the EU industry at the front-edge of competitiveness."
In related news, the Brussels-based environment group T&E revealed a report which showed that all 14 major manufacturers managed to cut their average new car emissions with rates between 2 and 10% in 2009.
The Group's fifth annual report says that the financial crisis and government subsidies for new cars (‘scrappage schemes’) played their role in cutting average CO2 emissions by shifting demand to cheaper cars (which are typically smaller and pollute less). But, T&E says, at least half of the reductions in 2009 were achieved through better drivetrain technology.
Of the individual manufacturers, Toyota made the greatest progress in cutting CO2 in 2009, according to the report. The company recorded a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency over the year. It now has six years in which to reduce by a further 4%, half the progress it made in 2009 alone. Fiat, however, remains the carmaker with the lowest fleet average CO2 emissions.
In addition to Toyota, the manufactures making the most progress on CO2 emissions in 2009 were Suzuki, Daimler, Mazda and Ford.
In general, manufacturers furthest away from regulatory targets were able to make the biggest percentage cuts in emissions, a trend first seen in last year’s T&E report.
Overall, carmakers closed 30% of the gap towards the 130 g/km target for 2015 in 2009 alone.
Commenting on the report, Jos Dings, director of Transport & Environment said: “Three years ago the car industry said it could not deliver car CO2 targets on time but is now set to achieve them years ahead of schedule. Now the same industry is saying van CO2 limits cannot be met; it is time the credibility of these claims was questioned.”
To view the full report, please follow the associated links.
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