New car CO2 emissions have fallen in Europe, according to a report.
The JATO Dynamics research examined 23 countries and found all automotive markets achieved a reduction in average CO2 emissions from new cars in 2014 compared to 2013. Amongst the volume brands, Renault had the lowest average CO2 emissions (108.4g/km) for the second year in a row.
The French automotive manufacturer made a 1.8g/km improvement over 2013, helped by increased sales of its electric cars.
In second place was Peugeot with 109.4g/km, followed by Citroën with 111.4g/km.
An overall reduction in average CO2 emissions from new cars was achieved across all 23 markets in year-on-year comparison.
Brian Walters, Vice President of Data at JATO Dynamics, commented: “The brands that have recorded the greatest improvements in the past year have either introduced new models, turbocharged engines, or both. This shows the impressive commitment to sustainability brands are putting into their new designs.”
Norway's incentives to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) may be behind the 12.8% drop in the country's vehicle emissions, the largest recorded of the 23 countries studied. EVs took a 12.4% share in the country's new market in 2014, compared to 0.45% across Europe.