The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring 10% of new cars sold will be low carbon – less than 100g/km CO2 – by 2012.

David Jamieson, under-secretary for state, urges fleet buyers to force the agenda with manufacturers on future fuels. “As a country with the fourth largest economy we can punch above our weight,” he says. “We take our commitments to the Kyoto treaty very seriously.”

Just 36 vehicles were sold last year that meet the 100g/km threshold; as many as 250,000 will need to be sold within eight years to hit the 10% target.

Speaking at a Fleet News conference, Jamieson says the Government will continue to offer enhanced capital allowances for fuel efficient cars, even though the financial incentives for hybrid buyers has dropped this year from £1,000 to £700 and is likely to fall again next year as demand rises.

He also intends to push the European Union for a reduction in diesel particle emissions before 2010 when the Euro V regulations are likely to come into effect.

Jamieson, who arrived at the conference in a Toyota Prius, also promises to look again at the cash for cars scheme in the light of evidence that fleet drivers taking cash are buying larger, gas guzzling cars.