Almost 60% of European new cars are now at or below the 140g/km CO₂ level, a 6.7% improvement vs. FY 2009, seeing the market share of low emission cars with up to 120 g/km CO₂ grow by 5%. In particular, the market share of the sub-100g/km emissions band is also increasing, as more mainstream models, such as Ford Focus ECOnetic and Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion, achieve this level.

Manufacturers continue to drive new technology into their cars, with more efficient petrol engines, such as Ford’s ECOboost or Fiat’s Multiair, accelerating the progress already delivered by high-efficiency diesel engines, to further reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. 

Top of the list for low-CO₂ countries is Portugal, with an average new-car CO₂ figure of 129.3 g/km, ahead of both France and Italy, which are known for favouring small diesel cars. The greatest improvement in national average CO₂ figures for H1 2010 were shown by Greece (-12.5g/km) and Ireland (-10.2g/km), but for very different reasons.

Ireland’s CO₂-based vehicle taxation system has generated a significant shift in buyer behaviour, towards smaller, more efficient cars. Greek car buyers have been particularly hit hard by the recent recession, with simple economics reducing demand for larger cars, particularly SUVs.

“We have seen a significant reduction in average, volume-weighted CO₂ output in Europe – triggered by a perfect combination of manufacturer effort, macro-economic conditions driving demand for greater efficiencies and taxation schemes to shift buyer behaviour,” commented David Di Girolamo, head of JATO Consult. ”The litmus test will be to see if this pace of change continues as consumer confidence returns.”

For more on car co2 emissions, come to the Fleet News co2 section.