UK car manufacturers reduce emissions by 13 per cent

UK car manufacturers have managed to reduce emissions by 13 per cent in 2011, with environmental impacts improved in all areas despite a rise in vehicle production.

New figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that CO2 equivalents per vehicle produced dropped by 13 per cent last year, while waste to landfill was slashed by almost a quarter. The 13th Annual Sustainability Report revealed that there were improvements in all environmental sectors, including energy, water use, and volatile organic compounds.

For new cars, the average CO2 fell to 138.1 grams per kilometre, down 4.2 per cent on 2010. This fall comes as production in the car industry increased, with vehicle production rising by 5.1 per cent last year, fuelled by a strong export market. Overseas investment was up 14 per cent and accounted for a record 81.6 per cent of the total output. Turnover in the sector rose by over 12 per cent to £55 billion as a result.

The pollution results will comfort environmental campaigners who have been putting a lot of pressure on the UK's biggest manufacturing sector to reduce emissions.
Independent forecasts have suggested that production could continue to rise in the sector, hitting a record two million vehicles by 2015. 
But the industry has coupled this growth with investment in more efficient manufacturing processes and low carbon vehicle innovation. Over £1.3 billion a year now goes into research and development, with companies such as Jaguar Land Rover reducing manufacturing emissions by 25 per cent since 2007.

SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt said: "Automotive is continuing to lead the country’s economic recovery, increasing manufacturing output, delivering record turnover and exporting a greater proportion of cars than ever before, all while reducing our environmental footprint. In a tough economic climate, the automotive sector has continued to perform above expectations, demonstrating the significant role it has to play in a re-balanced economy.

"Our industry is at the forefront of the drive to a low carbon economy attracting investment in the research, development and manufacture of low and ultra-low carbon technologies, creating new jobs and growth opportunities throughout the supply chain and introducing attractive products that are reducing transport emissions as well."

Posted by Joseph Hutton