CO2 emissions rise and diesel sales plummet

This is the first time since 2000 that Britain may not meet the climate change targets, a report from the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders warns.

Although it’s true that new cars are approximately 12% more fuel-efficient than older versions, diesel cars give off nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions that severely pollute the air. Consumers are buying bigger cars and are consuming less diesel, the SMMT said, with the sales of the smallest vehicles having gone down over a 10%.

Diesel usage fell by 17% last year after it was discovered that while these vehicles were more efficient they were increasing NOx emissions.

A report from the SMMT said that cheaper running costs may have encouraged consumers to buy bigger cars.

Sports-utility vehicles (SUVs) have increased in popularity in Britain, with the Nissan Qashqai last year the fourth best-selling newcar in the UK, with more than 64,000 being sold. By comparison, less than 70,000 of the smaller Ford Focus were bought.

The SMMT also said that electric car sales are not as big as they should be to be able to cut emissions by 6% a year until 2021. The government’s vague policy on the subject and very few charging points is causing buyers to hold back.

Over a fifth of new car models now available are zero emission capable but are just 5% of the yearly sales.

Total emissions from cars have decreased just 7% in 18 years and despite the new car efficiency the emissions have rose in the past three years due to traffic congestion.

Mike Hawes, the chief executive of the SMMT, said: “The industry shares government’s vision of a low-carbon future and is investing to get us there – but we can’t do it overnight; nor can we do it alone. The anti-diesel agenda has set back progress on climate change, while electric vehicle demand remains disappointingly low amid consumer concerns around charging infrastructure availability and affordability.

“To accelerate fleet renewal, motorists must have the confidence to invest in the cleanest cars for their needs – however they are powered. A consistent approach to incentives and tax, and greater investment in charging infrastructure will be critical.”

The SMMT is calling on the government to offer sales incentives and tax to encourage drivers to buy the cleanest cars and invest in electric vehicle charging stations.

Alex Buttle, director of car buying comparison website Motorway.co.uk, said the government's prolonged negative campaign against diesel cars has also seen a major hit on sales of new, cleaner Euro-6 diesel cars.

"Clearly, the government hasn't thought through the environmental impact of their anti-diesel campaign. Maybe it was hoping that electric and hybrid car sales would rise quicker than they have. Unfortunately, AFVs contributed just 4.2% of new UK car sales in 2017.

“Only government intervention in the form of tax breaks for AFV purchases is likely to accelerate the switch to electric cars in the near term.

“With new diesel car sales unlikely to rebound any time soon, the Government needs to do something urgently to boost electric and hybrid car sales if it hopes to hit its next round of CO2 targets.

“Norway has launched progressive tax incentives for green vehicles and these have made an immediate impact. One third of Norwegian electric car car sales in 2018 are expected to be electric. If Norway can do it, why can’t we?"