Increase in leasing drives drop in CO2 vehicle emissions

A rise in vehicle leasing has played a key role in reducing average new car emissions according to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

Responding to the annual Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) New Car Report 2017, the BVRLA said that the average leased car emitted just 110.8g/km CO2, 7.7% less than the average new car sold in 2016.

The New Car Report 2017 revealed that vehicle carbon emissions dropped to a record low in 2016, with new cars averaging 120.1g/km.

The average new van CO2 fell 1.9% to a new low of 173.7g/km, which will be seen as a major boost for the government as the 2017 deadline looms for the European-wide target of 175g/km.

The SMMT cited the billions of pounds worth of investment in new advanced engine, fuel and battery technology, as well as increasing use of lightweight materials such as aluminium and composites as main drivers in the reduction.

Also contributing significantly to the fall in CO2 emissions is the growing alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) market and the shift of consumers towards diesel cars, which emit on average 20% lower CO₂ than petrol equivalents.

BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney said: “More people are choosing to lease their cars, because it provides affordable access to a newer, cleaner, safer vehicle. We are proud that BVRLA members are leading the way when it comes to reducing emissions – the average leased car added to a member’s fleet in 2016 emitted just 110.8g/km CO2, 7.7% less than the average new car sold in 2016.

“This trend of falling CO2 emissions could be about to end as the Government goes in search of greater tax revenues, particularly from company car drivers. Policymakers need to recognise that motoring and business car taxation is more than just a revenue stream. It can provide a powerful incentive for people and businesses to choose low-emission cars.

“With poorly designed tax incentives, the Government could be putting the brakes on sales of low-emissions cars.”

If you would like to read more articles like this then please click here

The post Increase in leasing drives drop in CO2 vehicle emissions appeared first on UK Construction Online.