New cars sold in Europe: fuel efficiency improvements continued in 2016

New cars sold in the EU in 2016 emit around 1% less carbon dioxide (CO₂)/km than those sold in 2015, according to provisional data from the European Environment Agency. However, the increase in fuel efficiency has slowed compared to previous years

The average emissions level of a new car sold in 2016 was 118.1 grams of CO₂ per kilometre, significantly below the 2015 target of 130 g, according to provisional data published by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Since monitoring started under current legislation in 2010, emissions have decreased by 22 g CO₂/km (16 %). Manufacturers will nevertheless have to further reduce emissions to meet the target of 95 g CO₂/km by 2021.

Read more:

• EEA news release
• Reducing CO2 emissions from passenger cars
• Provisional data