Scrappage aids CO2
March 10th, 2010 by Richard Aucock
CO2 emissions fell by the largest ever amount in 2009 thanks to the effects of the scrappage scheme.
The average new car emitted 149.5g/km CO2 – 21.2 percent less than in 1997. Furthermore, the average car sold under the scrappage scheme emitted just 133.3g/km, 26.8 percent less CO2 than the average scrapped car.
It’s also 5.4 percent less than 2008, and 3 TIMES the average recorded since 1997! But it wasn’t all down to the scrappage scheme, with the SMMT also praising the car industry’s fast technological development rate.
But SMMT chief Paul Everitt also sounded a warning for the car industry.
‘Vehicle manufacturers have invested heavily in both improving conventional technologies and bringing advanced systems to market that reduce the environmental impact of new vehicles.
‘Whilst 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.
‘Developing a long-term and consistent approach to vehicle taxation and environmental incentives will be important in maintaining the current rate of improvement.’
Even so, the car industry appears on track to meet the average fleet emissions target of 130g/km by 2015.
The SMMT also revealed that MPVs and 4x4s recorded the biggest CO2 falls since 1997 – dropping 28.6 percent and 27.4 percent respectively!
During the past year though, it was minis and specialist sports cars that scored the biggest CO2 savings, dropping 6.7 percent and 6.3 percent.