According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the National Average Carbon Emissions (NACE) for new light vehicles in Australia has reached a new low, with new research showing that fuel efficiency and carbon emissions of new motor vehicles have improved markedly in recent years.

During 2007, new vehicles recorded an average of 226.1 grams of CO2 emissions for every kilometre they travelled.

“Improvements in engine technology, changes in market segmentation, as well as an increased uptake in alternative fuels such as clean diesel, are being reflected in the lower carbon emissions,” said FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar.

The 2007 figure is down on the 2006 figure of 230.3 grams, and over the past five years the industry has achieved a reduction of more than ten per cent in average emissions.

The FCAI oversees a voluntary code, endorsed by the industry, to improve the environmental performance of vehicles in Australia and the latest figures show the industry is well within reach of its target of an average of 222 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometre by 2010.

As enhanced fuels and alternative fuels become available in Australia over the coming years, it is expected that CO2 emissions will continue to drop.

“A number of low emission technologies rely on improved quality fuels that are not yet available in Australia,” Mr McKellar said.