BMW has biggest reduction in CO₂ of any major automaker

German automakers like BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche have been at the forefront of battling the proposed EU carbon dioxide emissions limits. Those manufacturers have traditionally had among the highest fuel consumption averages because of all the high performance cars they build. In spite of that, BMW actually had the greatest reduction in CO₂ emissions from its fleet in 2007. BMW's fleet average fuel consumption dropped by 7.3 percent from 2006 to 2007 and its CO₂ emissions went from 184 g/km to 170 g/km. The average improvement for all the big manufacturers was only 1.7 percent. That's still well above the 158 g/km average for all large manufacturers and the 130 g/km target for 2012. Nonetheless it shows the progress that's possible even without sacrificing too much performance capability. BMW has already declared that it will not pursue building supercars instead focusing on more efficient powertrains. Hyundai and Daimler also made significant improvements of 3.9 and 3.5 percent respectively. The final form of the new regulations are still being debated and are scheduled for a vote in the European Parliament's Environment Committee on Sept. 8-9.

[Source: European Federation for Transport and Environment]