Average CO2 emissions from new cars fell last year, leading to a total fall of 10.7 per cent over the last seven years, according to new figures.

The data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that new cars sold last year emitted 169.4g/km of carbon dioxide, down from 171.4g/km the year before. This represented a 1.2 per cent drop.

Christopher Macgowan, the head of SMMT, said: "SMMT's latest data shows the progress we are making to bring ever cleaner vehicles to the marketplace."

He noted the need for an integrated approach in order to move forward on the issue.

"In addition to our technological advances, buyers need incentives to encourage them into cleaner vehicles," he said, expressing a hope that the European Commission would soon give Low Carbon Car Grants the green light.

The SMMT figures are based on data of all new cars registered last year.


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