Manufacturers urged to speed up production of greener cars

Mar 11 2009 by Anna Blackaby, Birmingham Post

Green groups have called on the government to fast-track production of greener cars following the publication this week of a report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The report found that new cars were getting “greener” but more needed to be done if tough European emission targets were to be met.

West Midlands Friends of the Earth campaigner Chris Crean said the reported fall in carbon emissions by new cars was “painfully slow”.

He added: “The motor industry must build its future on producing smarter cars that use far less fuel and play its part in cutting emissions.

“Manufacturers have already been let off by weak EU targets for cutting emissions from new cars – the UK government must introduce measures to ensure that car-makers fast-track the production of greener vehicles.

“But cleaner cars are only part of the solution. Almost a quarter of car journeys are under two miles. The Government must do more to encourage people out of their cars and switch to walking, cycling, or on to first-rate public transport.”

The SMMT report found that carbon dioxide emissions from new cars fell by their biggest-ever margin last year.

The average new model now emits 158 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre – 4.2 per cent down on the 2007 figure and 16.8 per cent down on the 189.8g/km base level in 1997.

The figures came in an SMMT annual new car CO2 report which also showed that, while the number of cars on the road and the distance travelled has increased, cars’ share of total UK emissions continues to fall.

The SMMT said that cars now accounted for just 11.5 per cent of the country’s total CO2 emissions, largely as a result of new technology, improved fuel consumption rates and better consumer awareness.