Last year’s improvements bring the average CO₂ emissions of cars registered in the EU to 140 grams per km. At this rate the European target of 130 g CO₂/km will be met earlier than the 2015 deadline. The decrease in average emissions in 2010 was lower than in 2009 (5.1%); the results in 2009 were possibly influenced by the economic crisis and the scrappage schemes in some member states.

The average engine capacity of the cars sold in 2010 slightly increased compared to 2009. Also the average weight of cars rose considerably after the sharp decrease seen in 2009 and is now back at the level seen in the years prior to the economic crisis. However, average CO₂ emissions per kilometer travelled were cut thanks to improved vehicle technology and fuel efficiency.

Had weight not increased, the CO₂ reduction would have been 5%, claimed Transport & Environment (T&E), a European sustainable transport NGO.

This report shows that cars are getting heavier again. After a drop in average weight linked to government subsidies which favored cheaper, smaller cars, the SUVisation of the EU fleet is back. And that is no surprise as EU rules favor heavier cars by allowing them to emit more CO₂. That needs to change. The EU should be favoring more efficient saloons, estates and hatchbacks rather than encouraging gas guzzling, tall and heavy SUVs. Promoting heavier cars is holding back CO₂ reductions.

—Arne Richters, programme manager for clean cars at T&E