New cars '18% more fuel efficient'

Date: 18/4/2012

Cars in the UK are becoming increasingly efficient, new figures have revealed.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed new vehicles registered in 2011 were 18 per cent more fuel efficient than the average motor on the road.

New car CO2 emissions fell by 4.2 per cent to 138.1 g/km last year, which means they are 23 per cent lower than since recordings began in 2000.

SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt said the industry should be proud of what it has achieved in this sector.

"We are seeing steady improvement in conventional technologies and the emergence of a range of alternative technologies, creating one of the most innovative periods for the global automotive industry," he added.

However, the organisation believes the government must still do more to encourage take-up of low-carbon vehicles in the UK by investing in skills, capital equipment, research and development.

Posted by Nick Anderson