The widespread take-up of low-emission cars in fleets, and the impact of the scrappage scheme for private motorists, has seen average new car CO2 emissions in the UK plummet over the past 19 months.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that the average CO2 emissions of new cars registered in July was 148.4g/km – a fall of 13.6g/km from January 2008, when the average was 162g/km.

For fleet cars registered in July, the average was 149.9g/km, a drop of 11.5g/km since January 2008. For business registrations (those operating 25 vehicles or fewer), July’s figure was 156.6g/km – a 9.1% fall from January 2008’s 165.7g/km.

Private vehicles recorded the largest drop – down from an average of 162.3g/km in January 2008 to 146.3g/km in July this year (-16g/km).

However, the figures reveal the early impact of the Government’s scrappage scheme which saw more newer, lower emission cars sold.

Figures from May of this year, when scrappage went live, show a sharper decline than in the other sectors.

The figures echo exclusive Fleet News research which shows that company directors are taking the lead in cutting their fleets’ emissions (Fleet News, August 27). 

The survey found that six in 10 fleets have introduced CO2 emissions caps – most notably at the 120g/km and 160g/km limits.

The 120g/km cap gives company drivers access to the lowest benefit-in-kind tax bands, while 160g/km is the cut-off point for more favourable writing down allowances.

And with the increasing number of sub-110g/km models available, that average emissions level for fleets is likely to fall further as companies take advantage of the 100% first-year writing-down allowances.