The new car market has been transformed over the past decade in favour of lower-polluting vehicles, with the trend looking set to continue, according to a leading industry spokesman.

Paul Everitt, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “We have seen a major reduction of CO2 over the last decade as a consequence of system development in the new car market.”

Mr Everitt announced provisional CO2 figures for this year, with the new vehicle parc emitting an average of 160g/km, down from more than 190g/km 10 years ago.

“Not only have we made progress in the area of lower emissions but that progress is going to continue,” he said.

“While many of the newer cars don’t look much different, they have actually been transformed.

"The market place is shifting and it is shifting in the right direction.”

Mr Everitt predicted a distinct parc of low-carbon conventional cars, hybrids and electric vehicles emerging on to the market.

“Low-carbon vehicles are becoming commonplace and part of the mainstream. We’re on a fairly clear trajectory. By next year we are going to have a low CO2 parc,” he said.

Speaking to manufacturers and stakeholders at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s annual conference in London, Mr Everitt described how more and more consumers, fleet managers and business drivers were starting to make “best in class” low- CO2 choices.

“You can now buy a low-carbon vehicle irrespective of personal needs and drivers are making the right choices when it comes to best in class.”

Mr Everitt also reminded manufacturers of their ethical responsibilities and stressed the need for industry collaboration and the continued development of low-carbon technologies.

“When it comes to the technological challenges of lowering CO2 and climate change we do need an integrated approach,” he said.

“We do have a responsibility to make sure that the right vehicles are making it into the marketplace.”