UK vehicle makers have cut energy use, waste and carbon dioxide emissions by half, in four years, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

The average energy used per vehicle has been cut from 6.2 to 3.2 MWh/vehicle, C02 per vehicle is down to 0.6 tonnes, from 1.3 tonnes and landfill waste per vehicle has been reduced by 78% to 14.5kg. Water use was almost halved from 6.2 m3 to 3.2 m3.

These figures have been released as a preview by the SMMT before its full report is published on Monday.

"We have embraced our responsibility and delivered a clear, clean message; the motor industry is willing, capable and open about being part of the solution to the issue of sustainable motoring," said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive.

"Our modern, high-tech motor industry should be given credit for this dramatic progress," he said.