Australian new vehicle fleet has the lowest CO2 emissions ever

The fleet of 2010 model year vehicles sold in Australia posted the nation's lowest-ever combined carbon dioxide emissions. At 212.6 grams per kilometer of CO2, Australia's 2010 vehicle fleet spewed 2.7 percent less emissions than the nation's 2009 lineup of automobiles.

The National Average Carbon Emission (NACE) as calculated by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), figures include all passenger cars, SUVs, light-duty commercial pickup truck, vans and buses that weigh at less than 3.9 metric tons. This mean that Australia's posted CO2 figures include vehicle types that aren't measured when calculating combined emissions ratings in most countries.

Interestingly, Australia's reduction in CO2 emissions comes without regulations that have forced automakers to develop even cleaner vehicles in other countries. FCAI chief executive officer, Andrew McKellar, released this statement:

This is one of the most significant yearly improvements in the NACE figure and demonstrates the industry's commitment to continue to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. The result is a combination of improvements in vehicle technology and a change in consumer buying preferences. Carbon-dioxide emissions from new vehicles have been reduced significantly without regulation, and the industry now looks forward to working constructively with the federal government in developing a new standard

McKellar credits strong sales of diesel and hybrid vehicles, as well as incremental improvements made to the good ol' gasoline engine, with reducing Australia's NACE figures.

[Source: Ward's Auto]