Renault Group has become the first automotive group to have an average below 115g/km of CO2, based upon its sales of passenger cars over the full year 2013.

The brand puts the achievement down to the rejuvenation of its range, the success of its Energy range of engines and its electric vehicle sales.

Renault Group now has an average of 114.7g/km of CO₂* per vehiclebased on its passenger car sales over the full year of 2013.

The group has five models that return less than 100g/km CO₂ (Twingo, New Clio, Captur, Mégane and Dacia Sandero). The current Clio range emits 18.5g/km of CO₂ less than the model’s previous generation.

Renault electric vehicle sales have also contributed significantly to the Group’s low average CO₂ emissions.

Taken as a whole, the average level of CO₂ emissions per kilometre across Renault Group’s entire range has improved by nearly 11g in 2013 over 2012, falling from 125.5g/km to 114.7g/km.

Jean-Philippe Hermine, Renault Group director for environmental plan, said: “This position of market leader is proof that the combination of our powertrain strategy – with our range of Energy engines – and our electric vehicle strategy is bearing fruit. Thanks to these innovations, Renault Group is achieving tangible results and maintaining its objective to significantly reduce the long-term environmental footprint of its activities. At the same time, these improvements are beneficial for both the planet and our customers.”