New car emissions dropped 5%

The level of carbon emissions produced by new vehicles in the UK has dropped by almost five percent, according to new figures.

 Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlighted that there was a 4.7 percent drop in average emissions rates of vehicles registered in the first six months of 2010.

It was also noted that registrations of alternatively-fuelled cars more than doubled to 11,468 units in the first half of the year.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT, commented: “Continued vehicle manufacturer efforts to improve fuel efficiency and cut emissions has further reduced average carbon dioxide output during a better than anticipated first half of 2010.”

It is thought that the scrappage scheme, which saw people receiving cash incentives to trade in their old cars for a newer, more energy-efficient model, has helped drive vehicle emissions down.

Mr Everitt added that the remainder of the year will be challenging for the industry now that the scrappage scheme has ended.

>>> Please read the full article here