Report Cites Steady Decrease in Oz Vehicle Emissions

The National Transport Commission reports a 21% reduction in Australia’s average new-light-vehicle emissions in the past 11 years.

Last year, the national average of carbon-dioxide emissions from new cars and light- commercial vehicles fell 4% from 2011 levels to 199 g/km, the commission says in its annual report.

“Car manufacturers have encouraged the reduction, with four brands lowering emissions from their vehicles by around 9% over the past year,” NTC Project Director Neil Wong says in a statement.

Australian new-car buyers have one of the most-numerous choices of any country, with more than 350 different models across a broad range of light-vehicle categories.

The report says 15 manufacturers last year sold 92% of the new vehicles in Australia and among these, Suzuki had the lowest average emissions (157 g/km) and Jeep the highest (240 g/km).

Average emissions from Australian-made vehicles fell 8.8% last year to 210 g/km.

NTC says sales of new, so-called green (high-efficiency) cars in Australia during 2012 rose to 1.2% of the market, compared with 0.8% in 2011.

The report defines passenger vehicles as cars and SUVs, while light-commercial vehicles are defined as light trucks such as vans and trucks less than 3.6 tons (3.5 t). A green car is defined as a vehicle with CO2 emissions of less than 120 g/km.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries says the report shows the Australian auto industry’s commitment to contribute to the government’s push to reduce CO2 emissions.

“Not only is the car industry one of the few industries in Australia to deliver a reduction in CO2 emissions well over the government’s overall target of 5% reduction by 2020, the car industry continues to deliver reductions in CO2 emissions every year,” FCAI CEO Tony Weber says in a statement.