New vehicle industry achieves big CO2 reduction

Media Release

27 January 2009

New vehicle industry achieves big CO2 reduction

New vehicles sold in New Zealand in 2008 achieved an impressive 3.8% reduction in CO2 emissions, according to the Motor Industry Association.

“In 2007, the average new light vehicle sold in New Zealand emitted 219.0 grams of CO2 per 100km,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the MIA. “In 2008 this figure was reduced to 210.7 grams per 100km. Over the expected operational life of the new vehicles sold in 2008 this amounts to a difference of 1,158.9 metric tonnes of CO2.”

The new vehicle industry has achieved this environmental improvement without any legislation in place. The reduction in CO2 emissions is a combination of the continually improving fuel efficiency of new cars, together with a shift in the sales pattern towards smaller vehicles. “In 2007, light and small cars represented 42.0% of the new car market – in 2008 this jumped to 48.9%,” Mr. Kerr said. “Conversely, large cars and SUVs dropped from 39.5% of the market to 34.3%, and this trend was accelerating towards the end of the year.”

“The new vehicle industry is doing an excellent job of minimising its effects on the environment both by supplying more fuel efficient vehicles as well as responding to the growing customer preference for smaller, more environmentally-friendly cars,” Mr Kerr concluded.

Notes: for editors

1. The CO2 figure is calculated on all light vehicle registrations. This includes passenger cars, SUVs, and light commercials i.e. utes, vans and light buses (all vehicles under 3,500 kg)
2. The CO2 calculation is sales weighted. It therefore is not affected by the lower volume of sales recorded in 2008 verse 2007.
3. The reduction in CO2 has also been influenced by the greater uptake of diesel vehicles sold. These vehicles have a lower CO2 average than their petrol equivalents. More new diesel models are now available as a result of the changes to the legal specifications which now mandate that the sulphur content cannot exceed 10 parts per million; down from 50 ppm (January 2006).

ENDS

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