Emissions decrease by 21% here

Australia’s new car emissions have been reduced by 21% over 11 years, says the National Transport Commission (NTC).

NTC project director Neil Wong discussed the finding while launching the NTC’s plan for carbon dioxide emissions from new light vehicles at the ‘cars of tomorrow’ conference.

“Car manufacturers have encouraged the reduction, with four brands lowering emissions from their vehicles by around 9% over the past year,” says Wong.

Other key findings from the report include:

* In 2012, the national average of carbon emissions from new passenger and light commercial vehicles was 199 grams per kilometre (g/km). This is a 4% reduction from 2011.

* In 2012, 15 manufacturers sold 92% of the new vehicles in Australia. Of these manufacturers, Suzuki had the lowest average emissions (157 g/km) and Jeep the highest average emissions (240 g/km).

*  In 2012, the average emissions from Australian-made vehicles was 210 g/km. This is a 9% reduction from 2011.

* The total sale of new green cars in Australia during 2012 increased to 1.2%, compared with 0.8% in 2011.

*  A 40% reduction in Australia’s new car carbon emissions could have been achieved if consumers purchased vehicles with best-in-class emissions in 2012.

The full report is available on the NTC website.