149.5 g/km
That is the amount of CO2 the average new car sold in the UK last year emitted, which means car fuel economy is on the increase, a report released yesterday (March 9th) reveals.
That is the amount of CO2 the average new car sold in the UK last year emitted, which means car fuel economy is on the increase, a report released yesterday (March 9th) reveals.
The fuel efficiency figure has improved by 21.2 per cent compared to the 1997 base level making the reduction rate the best on record, according the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The recession and the emergence of the scrappage incentive scheme could be two reasons why manufacturers have increased green technological advances.
Cars that were purchased under the scheme averaged emissions of 133.3 g/km, which was 26.8 per cent less CO2 than the average scrapped car, meaning more people were encouraged to buy a fuel efficient car.
Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said there have been a lot of technological advances implemented by car manufacturers and more eco-friendly vehicles have therefore been developed.
He added: "While 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."
To maintain the current reduction rate there needs to be a long-term approach to environmental incentives and vehicle taxation, according to the chief executive.
Among the most impressive green cars were Minis and specialist sports cars because they made the greatest reduction in CO2 emissions by 6.7 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively compared to the figures in 2008.
And last year was the 12th annual decrease in a row for average CO2 emission reductions.
Just under a third (27.6 per cent) of the total amount of cars registered in the UK in 2009 managed to emit less than 130 g/km of CO2.
In January a Department of Transport poll found more than two-thirds (68 per cent) of people said they would pay more to have a green car compared to an non-green otherwise identical model.
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