Substantial dop in CO2 emissions from cars

24 May 2002: The carmakers seem to be doing their their fair share against global warming, according to a new report from the UK. The SMMT (equivalent to our Society of the Irish Motor Industry) says that average CO2 emissions from new cars have dropped some 6.7% since 1997. CO2 is the key global warming emissions.

While petrol engines have improved enormously in reduced CO2, the real hero in the matter is the diesel engine, where average CO2 has dropped more than 12% in the last four years. At the same time, there's been a substantial increase in the market penetration by diesels.

Moves to levy company motoring taxes on emission levels are also encouraging large fleet operators to choose lower-CO2 vehicles.

Last year alone there was a 1.8% drop in CO2. European car manufacturers have agreed to reduce average new car CO2 emissions by 25% from 1995 levels by 2008.

May 2002