Green Car Evolution

 

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) recently released results of a study it carried out on several generations of popular car models, looking at how they have evolved.   Manufacturers that took part in the study were BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota, Mini and Vauxhall, they all supplied information on current and previous models.

 

The study compared several aspects of an old and new model – air quality, CO2 emissions, fuel consumption and safety features.    From this study several interesting points came to light –

 

·         The increase in weight of new model cars which is a result of an increase in safety features.   For example, the Vauxhall Astra has seen an increase in weight of 301kg over the last 17 years and the BMW 318i is 215kg more than its predecessor.

·         However, although the new models were heavier than older models they were also significantly more environmentally friendly.   For example, although the BMW 318i model has increased in weight, the new version produces 25% less CO2 emissions and the current VW Golf 1.9 emits 78% fewer diesel particulates than a 1.6 litre 20 years old predecessor.

·         Fuel consumption has vastly improved across all models.   For example, a new model Mini Cooper has improved fuel consumption by 24% plus reduced CO2  by more than one fifth.

 

Christopher Macgowan, Chief Executive of SMMT commented on the study ‘The benefits of today’s cleaner, safer cars are beyond question, but it is important we understand that a price has been paid in terms of increased weight.    Heavier cars reduce fuel efficiency and increase CO2, demonstrating the consequences that improvements in one area of car design can have on another.’

 

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