Motor industry body SMMT have claimed that drivers in the UK are choosing fuel efficient cars with low carbon dioxide emissions over cars with higher emissions. In 2011, 46.8% of cars sold emitted less than 130 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometer (g/km), whereas only 10.6% of cars sold in 2007 were that efficient.
In line with European law, average emissions for new cars must fall below 130g/km by 2015 and then below 95g/km by 2020. Although the average emissions from new cars sold in 2011 was 138.1g/km, the new figures certainly suggest that reaching the target by 2015 is not impossible.
As well as being 'cleaner' thanks to new technologies, new cars are also more fuel efficient, delivering an average of 54 miles per gallon. However, SMMT believe further improvements can be achieved, and are lobbying the Government to adjust taxes to encourage investment in new technologies and to offer incentives to buy more efficient cars.
Paul Everitt, SMMTs Chief Executive, said, "Future environmental and economic success will be determined by sustained investment in new technology, research and development, infrastructure and consumer incentives."
With fuel prices currently at an all time high, more efficient cars may be both ecologically and economically attractive.
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