UK new car average CO2 emissions fell by record 5.4% in 2009
Wed 10 March 2010
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Average CO2 emissions from new cars sold in the UK fell by 5.4% to 149.5g/km in 2009, compared with 2008. Average emissions in 2009 were 21.2% below 1997 levels. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) which issued the figures and accompanying report said that the downward trend in emissions was boosted by the impact of the recession and the Government's scrappage incentive scheme.
The SMMT said the rate of reduction was the best on record, three times the average rate achieved since data was first measured in 1997. The latest impressive cut in average emissions from new cars sold follows a 4.2% reduction achieved in 2008, compared with 2007.
Reductions in average emissions were made across all model segments with MPVs (-28.6%) and 4x4s (-27.4%) making the biggest improvement against their 1997 base levels. Minis and specialist sports cars made the biggest reduction over the past year falling 6.7% and 6.3% respectively on 2008 figures.
Speaking at the report launch event in London, the Shadow Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said this is 'fantastic news', adding that he was wrong to doubt, when in a former role as rapporteur of the environment committee in the European Parliament, that the industry could make such rapid progress.
Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrats Shadow Transport Secretary agreed with Mr Goodwill's sentiment about the recent rate of progress. He went on to explain that the Government has a key role in identifying the goals of policy - for example cutting carbon emissions - but was liable to make mistakes when prescribing the means.
Labour's business minister Pat McFadden also praised the industry but said that the pressure to cut emissions will continue. "The shift to a low carbon economy is going to happen...it represents both a challenge and an opportunity," he said.
The SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said; “Vehicle manufacturers have invested heavily in both improving conventional technologies and bringing advanced systems to market that reduce the environmental impact of new vehicles. Whilst scrappage incentives made a positive contribution to fleet renewal in 2009, there is a risk that over the next few years, motorists may be deterred from investing in the latest technology. Developing a long-term and consistent approach to vehicle taxation and environmental incentives will be important in maintaining the current rate of improvement.”
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