Skip advert
Advertisement

New car CO2 emissions reach five-year high

DfT figures show average new-car CO2 emissions reached 128.3g/km in September; WLTP and diesel slump likely culprits

Porsche Macan GTS - exhaust tips

The amount of recorded carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by an average new car was higher in September this year than at any point since July 2013.

Figures from the Department for Transport show the average amount of CO2 emitted by a new car registered in September stood at 128.3 grams per kilometre (g/km), up from 122.9g/km in August. Not since July 2013 has a higher average figure (128.7g/km) been logged.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best electric cars to buy 2018

Previous research from our sister publication BuyaCar.co.uk revealed average CO2 emissions rose for the first time in 14 years in 2017. That increase was ascribed to buyers turning their backs on diesel cars, which emit less CO2 than their petrol counterparts.

By contrast, while sales of diesel cars were down 31 per cent in 2017, the introduction of new WLTP (World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Programme) assessment criteria could well be responsible for the bulk of this latest increase.

Recording figures using WLTP methods, which measure emissions in a more relasitic way to the previous NEDC system, would explain why the amount of recorded CO2 emitted by cars has increased significantly, despite cars becoming cleaner.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), for example, show when two different cars were measured using the same criteria, new models introduced in 2017 produced, on average, 12.6 per cent less CO2 than the cars they replaced.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

So while the recorded increase in CO2 emissions may have increased on paper, the actual amount of CO2 emitted by new cars may not have increased by as much as the figures indicate. 

Average new car CO2 emissions increase for first time in 14 years

Department for Transport figures uncovered by BuyaCar showed average new car CO2 emissions were 121.1g/km over the first ten months of 2017 and were on course to exceed the 120.3g/km recorded in 2016. Once the full year's figures were collated, it was revaled average XO2 emissions were 121.04g/km, up 0.8% on 2016.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The statistics, from data recorded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), showed that CO2 emissions for new cars have fallen by an average of 4.02g/km annually since 2003.

Diesel could save owners £380 per year

Car dealers sold 16% fewer diesel cars - which emit less CO2 than their petrol counterparts - in 2017 than in 2016 following tax rises, stiffer parking charges and threats of inner-city bans for diesel cars.

Addressing the rise, Tamzen Isacsson, director of the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders (SMMT), said: “If industry is to meet challenging CO2 targets getting more of the latest low emission diesels onto our roads is crucial, as they can emit 20% less CO2 than the equivalent petrol models.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Isacsson blamed “confusion around government air quality plans and taxation” for the drop in diesel sales, and warned that: ”If new diesel car registrations continue on this negative trend, UK average new car CO2 levels could indeed rise this year”.

The Government has previously warned it would “intervene firmly” if progress on tackling climate change by cutting CO2 emissions continued to stall.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We will seek to maintain ambitious targets and our leadership position, and intervening firmly if not enough progress is being made.

“Our ambitious Clean Growth Strategy… includes investing nearly £1.5 billion in accelerating the rollout of ultra-low emission vehicles by 2020 – generating business opportunities and leading to cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

Recent diesel tax increases and the threat of inner-city charges are designed to tackle the higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulates that diesels produce. But they also appear to have impacted the car industry’s plans to cut CO2 emissions by selling diesels.

“Many customers are telling us that they want to avoid diesel, even if it means spending more on fuel” says Austin Collins, managing director of BuyaCar.co.uk.

“Some feel it’s best to avoid the perceived uncertainty surrounding diesel, especially with plenty of economical petrol, hybrid or electric models available; but the efficiency offered by diesel cars still makes them a good option for long-distance drivers or SUV buyers. Risk can be reduced with a finance package that protects you against a sudden drop in value, and a newer Euro 6 emissions standard car.”

Are you avoiding diesel because of uncertainty over its future. Give us your views in the comments section…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mileage fraud threat highlighted by vehicle check data
EU to crack down on car clocking companies

Mileage fraud threat highlighted by vehicle check data

160,000 used cars will be sold with incorrect mileage this year, new figures show
News
1 Nov 2024
Haul of 30 luxury cars stolen from the UK found in Thailand
Ford Mustang, Porsche Cayman and BMW M4 returned from Thailand

Haul of 30 luxury cars stolen from the UK found in Thailand

Eight year investigation concludes, with no British charges despite arrests
News
1 Nov 2024
Fuel duty frozen, but new car buyers hit by VED hikes
Parliament

Fuel duty frozen, but new car buyers hit by VED hikes

Labour’s first budget spares drivers at the pumps, while industry raises investment fears
News
31 Oct 2024
Budget hammers new-car buyers as first-year road tax doubles
Car dealership forecourt

Budget hammers new-car buyers as first-year road tax doubles

Year-one VED rates hiked for non-EVs, while company EV tax incentives are extended
News
30 Oct 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: fuel-sipping Toyota Yaris Cross with new tech for £257 per month
Toyota Yaris Cross - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: fuel-sipping Toyota Yaris Cross with new tech for £257 per month

Toyota’s recently updated, highly efficient hybrid SUV is our Deal of the Day for 2 November
News
2 Nov 2024
Renault Scenic Iconic Long Range long-term test: head-to-head with the Ford Explorer
Renault Scenic long-termer - header

Renault Scenic Iconic Long Range long-term test: head-to-head with the Ford Explorer

First report: French SUV joins the fleet and takes on Ford’s new Explorer
Long-term tests
2 Nov 2024
Best car headlight bulbs 2024
Best car headlight bulbs - header image

Best car headlight bulbs 2024

Which car headlight bulbs will brighten your night?
Product group tests
1 Nov 2024