New cars registered last year in the UK collectively met a European target for CO2 emissions, according to a new report published by the SMMT.

In its New Car CO2 Report 2014, SMMT revealed that the average new car in the UK emits 128.3g/km CO2 – a 3.6% decrease over last year that passes the 2015 EU-wide fleet average target of 130g/km CO2.

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Vehicle makers have invested heavily to develop, deliver and market lower CO2-emitting cars, but progress has been supported by consumer buying behaviour, too, the SMMT said.

Through switching to more fuel-efficient vehicles in every class, the CO2 figure has fallen in recent years.

Registrations of cars in the Mini segment almost doubled against 2012, while the Supermini segment also showed solid growth. A new car is 20% more efficient than the average car in use, so consumers will notice a real difference when replacing their old car, SMMT noted.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The UK automotive industry should be proud of the progress it has made in improving the environmental impact of its vehicles. Average new car CO2 emissions are almost 30% lower than in 2000, boosted by increasing uptake of the most efficient engine technologies, alternatively-fuelled vehicles and the new Go Ultra Low campaign.

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“Through the Automotive Sector Strategy, it has been hugely encouraging to see government’s determination to ensure the UK is at the forefront of research, development and introduction of low carbon vehicles.”

The full SMMT New Car CO2 Report 2014 is free to download from www.smmt.co.uk/co2report.