The average new car sold in 2005 emitted 10.7% less carbon dioxide than models registered in 1997, according to the latest Society of Motor Manufacturer and Trader’s ‘New Car Registrations by CO2 Performance’ report.

Based on data from every new car registered last year, the figures also show a 1.2% year-on-year drop from 171.4 g/km in 2004 to 169.4 g/km in 2005.

SMMT chief executive, Christopher Macgowan, said: “The SMMT's latest data shows the progress we are making to bring ever cleaner vehicles to the market place.

“We need an integrated approach if we are to keep making good progress. In addition to our technological advances, buyers need incentives to encourage them into cleaner vehicles. We hope the European Commission will soon give the go-ahead for the new low carbon car grants to help new car buyers in the UK. Following the collapse of the Powershift* programme some 18 months ago, this should bring a stable long-term and technology neutral approach to grant funding.”

SMMT New Car Registrations by CO2 Performance 2006 shows that in 2005:

The percentage of new cars with CO2 emissions of under 140 g/km has risen to 18%; a rise from 3.9% in 1997, and from 15.5% in 2004

This fall in CO2 has been matched by a 13.9% improvement in mpg levels

The average emission from a new car sold to private buyers has fallen 1.1%, down to 172.3g/km - its lowest ever level. This was the same improvement as the company car market

Over half the new car market is now under 160 g/km CO2 levels have fallen by 20.4g/km per new vehicle since 1997

34.1% of the new car market falls in the lowest three VED bands; up from just 7.8% in 1997.

Despite a 15% increase in the total UK vehicle parc since 1997, total emissions from cars fell one per cent.

Registrations of alternative-fuelled vehicles increased 48% in 2005.

Download the report by clicking here

(*Powershift: A grant to incentive the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles)