SMMT report on CO2 emissions is encouraging

Fortunately this isn't the UK

A new, wide-ranging report looking into CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions by the motoring body SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) was broadly encouraging.

It reported that 46.8% of new cars sold in 2011 emitted less than 130 grammes per kilometre, which leaves the UK industry well-placed to meet impending EU targets which dictate that 65% of a country’s new cars must have emissions less than 130g/km by the end of 2012.

The SMMT also said that average emissions from new cars sold in 2011 stood at 138.1g/km, which represents an encouraging 23% fall from since the year 2000. New cars are also 18% cleaner than the UK average according to the report, and now deliver an average 54 miles per gallon.

The report believes that demand for cost-effective, low emission cars has risen primarily as a result of rising fuel prices, and technological advances which have increased the supply of such cars.

Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The industry can be proud of the progress it has made in reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel efficiency, 23 per cent since 2000. The UK motor industry recognises its responsibilities and the industrial opportunities from the transition to ultra-low carbon vehicles. Future environmental and economic success will be determined by sustained investment in new technology,research and devlopment, infrastructure and consumer incentives.”

Less positively, the report revealed that alternatively fuelled cars, such as petrol-electric hybrids or all-electric vehicles, have contributed relatively little to the overall reduction in CO2 emissions, making up just 1.3% of the market.

To stimulate improvement in this sector, the report urges the government to adjust taxes to encourage investment in new technologies and to offer consumers incentives.

Author: Paul Wilkinson

Automotive