DRIVERS are getting the message over the benefits of choosing cars with lower CO2 emissions, according to the latest industry data.

The average CO2 output of new cars sold in the UK fell by 1.8%, from 181g/km in 2000 to 177.8g/km by November 2001.

Although the only obvious benefit for private buyers for choosing a low-emission car is a lower rate VED rate, the percentage of cars sold which qualify for the lowest rate reached 24%, compared with 7.8% in 1997 before the incentive was introduced.

However, the number of cars sold which would qualify for the lowest company car tax bracket from April 2002 (15% for petrol and 18% for diesel) at 165g/km reached 47.6% —more than double the percentage share of 22.9% in 1997.

The SMMT is now offering companies tailor-made reports from its new database.