A focus on total cost of ownership data coupled with a widening choice of low-emission carsmeans fleets are taking delivery of environmentally-friendly models in record numbers.

New data from ALD Automotive, which operates a fleet of more than 52,000 vehicles, reveals that in the first six months of 2010 average CO₂ emissions of new company cars delivered to customers dropped to143.9 g/km.

That compares with an average figure of 145.5 g/km last year and 166.8 g/km in 2003, the year ALD began recording CO₂ emissions data.

The data also reveals that the average emission level of company cars added to the organisation’s fleet is lower than the national average of new car CO₂ figures as produced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Last year average CO₂ emissions for all new cars taking to the UK’s road fell to 149.5 g/km. Average emissions for new company cars was 151.1 g/km (2008: 158.4 g/km), while average emissions for new cars supplied to private customers were 147.9 g/km (2008: 157.6 g/km) with sales significantly influenced by the scrappage incentive scheme, which has now finished. 

Meanwhile, company cars added to the ALD fleet are also clocking up less mileage, according to the analysis.

In the first six months of this year the average annual contracted mileage for company cars was 17,300 miles, down more than 5,000 miles on 2003 (22,475 miles).

The ALD data also highlights that the average contract hire agreement signed in the first six months of this year was for 37.4 months and just over 54,000 miles.

Undoubtedly, says ALD, the continuing trend towards low emission company cars has been significantly influenced by a corporate desire to reduce running costs as well as the Government’s decision to link all motoring taxes - benefit-in-kind tax, Vehicle Excise Duty and capital allowances - to vehicle CO₂ levels.

With further tax rises scheduled - benefit-in-kind tax thresholds are due to increase on April 6 next year, vehicle capital allowances will reduce from April 1 next year and fuel duty is due to rise on October 1 this year and again three months later - ALD expects average new company car emissions to drop below 140 g/km in the near future.

Additionally, fleet decision-makers and drivers are able to choose company cars from an ever-widening mix of models that are classed as ‘low emission’ with manufacturers continuing to introduce carbon-friendly vehicles to the marketplace seemingly day.