Arval UK saw the average CO2 for new cars delivered to customers continue to fall in 2014. 

The average CO₂ of cars delivered to customers throughout the year was 114.4g/km, a fall of 7% compared with three years ago.

This is also a favourable result in comparison with the wider market. Figures for the second quarter of 2014 released in the BVRLA Quarterly Leasing Survey suggested that the national average emissions for new vehicles registered were 123.8g/km.

With a funded fleet of more than 100,000 vehicles in the UK, Arval saw a significant increase in the number of new vehicles that it delivered last year. The company attributes this continued reduction in CO₂ to a combination of factors. These include:

• The improved emissions of new vehicles entering the market
• A desire from businesses to limit their environmental impact
• The direct link for drivers between Benefit-in-Kind and the environmental performance of their vehicle
• Manufacturers releasing models with smaller, turbo-charged Petrol engines which reduce CO₂, improve MPG, and reduce overall fuel costs.  

At the same time, Arval saw growth in the number of electric and hybrid vehicles that it leases. The figure increased in the UK from 888 in 2013 to 1,081 last year.

Robert Pieczka, Corporate Social Responsibility director at Arval said:

“With vehicle costs and CO₂ emissions going hand-in-hand, the environmental performance of the fleet is often a high priority for our customers. We spend a lot of time working with them to deliver the most sustainable and cost effective fleet policy for their business.”

He added: “Whether it is because of sustainable or commercial motivations, taking an efficient approach is important and can deliver great benefit for the business and its drivers.”