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SMMT warns of rising CO2 emissions

Date: 27 February 2018   |   Author: Sean Keywood

An anti-diesel policy agenda and slow take-up of electric vehicles could mean the UK motor industry misses its next round of CO2 emissions targets, with negative consequences for the country's climate change goals.

That's according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which has produced a new report confirming the fleet average CO2 of newly registered cars rose for the first time on record in 2017 - despite vehicles becoming ever more efficient.

Carbon tailpipe emissions rose by 0.8% to 121g/km in 2017.

Although new and updated models launched during the year emitted on average 12.6% less CO2 than those they replaced, this was not enough to offset a 17.1% decline in new diesel registrations.

Because diesel cars typically consume less fuel than petrol equivalents they emit, on average, 15 to 20% less CO2, and according to the report about half of last year's overall CO2 rise was attributable to this decline in diesel demand.

Meanwhile, a substantial fall in registrations of smaller cars also had a significant effect, as falling consumer confidence hit the lower end of the market.

The increase in new car CO2 emissions follows 19 years of reductions and the figure is still 33.1% lower than in 2000.

The report adds that, although more than a fifth of new car models now available are zero-emission capable, these make up just 5% of sales; for pure battery-powered vehicles the figure is just 0.5%.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "The industry shares government's vision of a low carbon future and is investing to get us there - but we can't do it overnight; nor can we do it alone.

"The anti-diesel agenda has set back progress on climate change, while electric vehicle demand remains disappointingly low amid consumer concerns around charging infrastructure availability and affordability.

"To accelerate fleet renewal, motorists must have the confidence to invest in the cleanest cars for their needs - however they are powered.

"A consistent approach to incentives and tax, and greater investment in charging infrastructure will be critical.

"Now, more than ever, we need a strategy that allows manufacturers time to invest, innovate and sell competitively, and which gives consumers every incentive to adapt."



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