As the 2010 Paris Motor Show plays host to the latest new models and future concepts, the world’s leading provider of automotive intelligence, JATO Dynamics, reminds the industry of the progress it is making in driving down average CO2 emissions in Europe.
Almost 60% of European new cars are now at or below the 140g/km CO2 level, a 6.7% improvement vs. FY 2009, seeing the market share of low emission cars with up to 120 g/km CO2 grow by 5%. In particular, the market share of the sub-100g/km emissions band is also increasing, as more mainstream models, such as Ford Focus ECOnetic and Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion, achieve this level.
Manufacturers continue to drive new technology into their cars, with more efficient petrol engines, such as Ford’s ECOboost or Fiat’s Multiair, accelerating the progress already delivered by high-efficiency diesel engines, to further reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Top of the list for low-CO2 countries is Portugal, with an average new-car CO2 figure of 129.3 g/km, ahead of both France and Italy, which are known for favouring small diesel cars. The greatest improvement in national average CO2 figures for H1 2010 were shown by Greece (-12.5g/km) and Ireland (-10.2g/km), but for very different reasons.
Ireland’s CO2-based vehicle taxation system has generated a significant shift in buyer behaviour, towards smaller, more efficient cars. Greek car buyers have been particularly hit hard by the recent recession, with simple economics reducing demand for larger cars, particularly SUVs.
“We have seen a significant reduction in average, volume-weighted CO2 output in Europe – triggered by a perfect combination of manufacturer effort, macro-economic conditions driving demand for greater efficiencies and taxation schemes to shift buyer behaviour,” commented David Di Girolamo, Head of JATO Consult. ”The litmus test will be to see if this pace of change continues as consumer confidence returns.”
Brand Performance
Most of the volume brands have reduced emissions again during H1 2010.
Fiat retains the crown as the lowest CO2 brand in Europe, with a H1 2010 average volume weighted CO2 output of 123.5 g/ km, improving a further 4.3g/km on
FY 2009.
Other star performers of the top 10 brands by volume are Volkswagen, Audi and Opel/Vauxhall. Volkswagen and Audi have benefitted from new 1.2TDi, 1.6TDi and 1.2TSI engines, while Opel/Vauxhall have benefitted from the performance of the Corsa and the new more efficient Astra.
Toyota remains second overall, helped by its Prius being the lowest overall CO2 five seat car, and continued strong sales of its efficient Yaris and Aygo models.
Model Performance
All of the top 20 best selling models reduced emissions in H1 2010, but Fiat 500 was the lowest CO2 model, improving 3.9g/km. Last year’s leader, the Toyota Yaris would have slipped to second place, but a slight fall in sales in the post-scrappage market dropped it just outside of the top 20.
Audi A3 and Opel/ Vauxhall Corsa were the most improved models, thanks to powertrain improvements. Audi has replaced its ageing 1.9 TDi with a more efficient 1.6 TDi version using common-rail technology. General Motors has introduced the Corsa ecoFLEX, which now offers a version under 100 g/km CO2.
Vehicle Manufacturer Group Performance
With almost 60% of Europe’s new car volume now under the 2008 EU threshold of 140g/km, it is no surprise that the lowest-CO2 manufacturer groups are all comfortably beating this target. Fiat Group remains at the top of the chart for low-CO2 motoring, increasing its lead over Toyota Group. All of these groups are very much on course to meet or exceed the EU 2015 target of 130g/km.
Further analysis will be available in a forthcoming JATO CO2 White Paper that studies 21 European countries which will be released in October 2010. The full JATO report will provide a detailed picture of volume-weighted CO2 emissions by country, segment and brand, plus an in-depth analysis of the effects of CO2-friendly vehicle te chnology and CO2-based taxation regimes in individual markets.
The above data is provided by JATO Consult, the company’s bespoke consulting service which offers customers access to its unique data and provides solutions and advice to meet a wide range of automotive business challenges. For more information visit www.jato.com, or email consult@j ato.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment