Media Release

13 February 2012

New Vehicle CO2 Emissions Continue Reducing

Improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency has seen the National Average Carbon Emission (NACE) figure for all new light vehicles registered in 2011, dropping for the first time below 200 grams to 197.1 grams – down 2.3% on 2010 (201.6 grams).

“Over the five year period 2007 to 2011 the average CO2 emission has dropped by just over 10%, from 219.7 grams in 2007 to 197.1 grams recorded last year,” said Mr Perry Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association.

All new passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial utilities, vans and buses (up to 3.5 tonne) are included in calculating the NACE figure therefore counting many more vehicle types than CO2 measures used in other parts of the world including Europe.

“This improvement in CO2 emission has been brought about by a combination of improvements in vehicle technology, which has been driven by vehicle manufacturers meeting emission targets in the key markets of Europe, Japan and Australia as well as changes to the type of vehicle purchased. Over this period we have seen the light/small segment increase by just over 8.5% with large vehicles declining by 45%. The number of diesel passenger vehicles has also increased from 10.4% of total 2007 sales to 17.0% last year,” said Mr Kerr.

“The MIA and its members are supporters of the Emission Trading Scheme as the primary method of reducing CO2 emissions from the transport sector over the long term. The reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from new vehicles achieved so far demonstrate that the new vehicle industry is playing its part without direct government involvement or regulation” concluded Mr Kerr

ENDS.

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