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Half of cars sold in Europe emit less than 140g/km emissions |
Decrease mainly down to downsizing to smaller, more economical cars.
JATO Dynamics figures reveal how over half of all cars sold in Europe are now emitting less than 140g/km CO2 emissions.
Volume-weighted average CO2 emissions across all models and segments fell by 7.9g/km last year, compared with 2008, which saw CO2 emissions reduce by 5.4g/km.
The majority of this decrease is being driven by shifts in buying habits towards smaller, low-CO2 cars, with the three lowest CO2 bands increasing market share, at the expense of bands above 140g/km. In particular, the 101-120g/km band experienced a market share of 25.6 per cent.
The best overall brand reduction was achieved by Alfa Romeo, which lowered emissions by 18.3g/km over the year, on sales of 109,542. Fiat remains the lowest overall volume brand for CO2, with an average of 127.8g/km.
The Toyota Prius was the lowest CO2 model in Europe, with an average 2009 CO2 output of only 95.6g/km and the best volume model is the Toyota Yaris, with an average CO2 of 119.0g/km.
David Di Girolamo, Head of JATO Consult said: "The marked reduction in average CO2 emissions is a consequence of changing buying habits and in particular, the downsizing to smaller, more economical cars, driven by scrappage incentives and recessionary uncertainties."
"Car makers are offering models that are safer and more feature-rich, whilst still improving their environmental credentials."
Further information:
JATO |
