Report shows car makers set to achieve 2015 CO2 targets early
Thu 04 November 2010
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The European car industry reduced sales-weighted new car average emissions of CO2/km by a record 5.1% in 2009. All 14 major manufacturers cut their average new car emissions with rates between 2 and 10% according to the fifth annual report which has been released today by Brussels-based group Transport & Environment (T&E).
The 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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