Average UK New Car CO2 Emissions Down 1.2% to 169.4 g/km in 2005

24 April 2006

The average new car sold in 2005 in the UK emitted 1.2% less CO₂ than models registered the year before—a drop from to 169.4 g/km in 2005, according to the latest SMMT New Car Registrations by CO₂ Performance report.

The latest decline contributes to a 10.7% decrease from models registered in 1997. However, the UK average is approximately 6% higher than the European average of 160 g/km as calculated for Transport & Environment. (Earlier post.)

The SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited) New Car Registrations by CO₂ Performance 2006 also shows that in 2005:

• The percentage of new cars with CO₂ emissions of under 140 g/km has risen to 18%; a rise from 3.9% in 1997, and from 15.5% in 2004.

• The decrease in CO₂ since 1997 has been matched by a 13.9% improvement in fuel economy.

• The average emission from a new car sold to private buyers has fallen 1.1% from 2004, down to 172.3 g/km.

• Cars emitting less than 160 g/km of CO₂ constitute more than half of the new car market.

• 34.1% of the new car market falls in the lowest three emission bands, an increase from the 7.8% in 1997

• Registrations of alternative-fueled vehicles increased 48% in 2005.