European cars going green quickly, shows analysis

(Stefan Redel)

European cars are going green faster than ever, according to figures released May 10 by an industry analyst.

The average emissions of a European car have fallen by 20 grams of carbon dioxide a kilometer since 2003, according to analysis from JATO Dynamics.

The average car now emits 145.9g/km, down from 165.3g/km in 2003.

"The pace of improvement is remarkable and shows just how rapidly the industry has reacted to environmental demands," said David Di Girolamo, Head of JATO Consult.

"In 2003, only 24% of the market achieved an average of 130g/km. This was 40 percent by 2007, 51 percent in 2008 and 69 percent last year, already ahead of the 2012 EU target."

The European Union has mandated that 65 percent of new cars must emit a target of 130g/km in 2012, rising to 75 percent in 2013, 80 percent in 2014 and 100 by 2015.

JATO believes that vehicle developments have played a major role in driving down emissions, with more efficient petrol and diesel engines, hybrid powertrains, more sophisticated transmissions, low rolling-resistance tires, improved attention to detail, aerodynamics, stop-start technology and regenerative charging systems all found in new models sold today.

Government incentives such as tax breaks and scrappage schemes have also incentivized both consumers and manufacturers to opt for smaller, more efficient models.

Website: http://www.jato.com