Cleaner cars

CO

 emissions from new cars dropped at their fastest-ever rate in 2008, according to the latest figures by the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (

).

The SMMT’s annual New Car CO₂ report said that, despite an increase in the number of cars and the length of distance travelled, the average vehicle now emits 4.2 per cent less CO₂ than the base level in 2007 and 16.8 per cent less than the level in 1997.

The report claims that the introduction of technology, increased consumer awareness and changes to vehicle taxation have helped reduce car emissions across all market segments. Cars now account for just 11.5 per cent of the country’s total CO₂ output, with the larger end of the market making some of the biggest improvements.

The introduction of government regulation in December last year set a target for vehicle manufacturers to maintain average emission levels at less than 130g/km by 2015. Currently, there are 236 models in the UK emitting less than 130g/km. However, additional improvements of 2.5 per cent per year are needed if this target is to be met.