REACTION: CO2 emissions from average UK new car rise for first time since 2000

Publication date: 27th February 2018

In response to the news that CO2 emissions from the average UK new car have risen, according to a report out today by SMMT, Paul Morozzo, clean air campaigner at Greenpeace, said:

“SMMT is trying shift the blame for the industry’s failure to tackle carbon emissions from cars. Its own reporting shows a shift to selling SUVs has had more of an impact on average CO2 emissions than the shift away from diesel. In reality, the industry just isn’t doing enough to tackle either carbon or air pollution from its vehicles.

“Despite increases in efficiency, cuts in carbon haven’t been enough, and we now also know diesel cars are spewing out toxic pollution that’s bad for our health too.

“There is no such thing as clean diesel. It’s bad for the climate, and for our health. If the industry is serious about meeting climate and pollution targets, it should be making clean electric vehicles that are affordable and accessible for all.”