Fiat takes Euro CO2 title as emission targets loom

According to the latest analysis from Jato Dynamics, provider of automotive intelligence, average CO2 emissions for new cars across Europe dropped to 132.3g/km in 2012.

This is almost 4g/km lower than for 2011, when 136.2g/km was recorded. The analysis also shows that nearly 40% of new cars sold are now classed as ‘low CO2’ (up to 120g/km).

The findings come ahead of the launch of Jato’s latest report – A Review of CO2 New Car Emissions across Europe 2012 – which covers 23 European markets and shows that nine high-volume manufacturer brands have already achieved the 130g/km European target set for 2015.

Fiat remained the lowest emitting volume brand in Europe for the sixth consecutive year, with an average CO2 emission level of 119.8g/km despite a slight increase in emissions in 2012 compared to 2011.

This was due to significantly reduced sales of the B-segment Punto and increased sales of the Freemont large crossover.  A slight shift in sales from diesel to LPG and CNG also contributed to the increase.

Peugeot climbed from fifth to second place, with an average CO2 level of 121.2g/km in 2012, whilst Renault is a close third, up from sixth place last year, with an average CO2 level of 121.3 g/km in 2012.

Premium brands Audi, BMW and Mercedes, also reduced emissions in 2012 by 6.9g/km, 8.7g/km and 14.4g/km respectively. However, in comparison to volume brands, their average CO2 emissions remain high.

Gareth Hession, vice-president for research at Jato said: "The majority of volume brands have continued to reduce CO2 emissions this year, through a combination of smarter engineering and increased sales of electric and hybrid vehicles."

 

* Mini did not feature in 2011 Top 20, while Suzuki was the 7th placed brand in 2011 and has now dropped out of the Top 20