Emissions down on last year, new study shows

CO2 emissions from new cars in the UK are dropping according to new data. They fell 5.6% in the past year, according to a study by automotive data specialists DrivenData, and based on manufacturers’ claimed figures, average emissions now stand at 170.75g/km CO2, down from 180.90g/km in August 2009.The 5.6% drop represents the fastest progress made by car makers in a 12-month period during the past five years. In 2009, emissions were reduced by 3.6%, a small improvement on the previous year’s 3.3% fall. In August 2006, figures dropped just 2%, underlining the advances made by manufacturers since.However, with the government’s 2012 reduction target looming – for an overall average of 130g/km CO2 – more work is needed. Based on this year’s improvement, DrivenData calculated that 2012 emissions would stand at 152.16g/km CO2.DrivenData’s Daniel Stas said reaching the government’s 2012 target would rely on the Lib-Con coalition itself. “Car makers will be encouraged to see that they have collectively reduced average emissions at a faster rate this year,” he said. “Much will depend on the emergence of plug-in hybrids and EVs (electric vehicles), which means the government needs to commit wholeheartedly to funding an alternative fuel recharging network in the UK.”DrivenData compiled the statistics using its new car database, which provides comprehensive and accurate data specifications for every current model on sale in the UK.

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