PSA continues to drive down the corporate CO2 levels, taking back the crown for reducing emissions.

PSA Peugeot Citroën recaptured its first place standing in reducing emissions at end 2014 in Europe, with an average of 110.3 grams of CO₂ per kilometre* (source: AAA DATA), compared with an average of 123.7 grams for the European market. Since 2008, the Group has gradually lowered its vehicle emissions by about 30 grams.

The new record illustrates PSA Peugeot Citroën's commitment to finding practical solutions to environmental problems. More than 50% of its R&D budget is devoted to developing technologies aimed at improving the fuel and environmental performance of its vehicles.

PSA Peugeot Citroën's top ranking is primarily the result of its engine downsizing strategy and the introduction of new PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engines, as well as the introduction of new-generation, fuel-efficient BlueHDi diesel engines. In 2014, nearly 30% of vehicles sold by the Group emitted less than 100 grams of CO₂.

Paired with these highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, many Group models are low-carbon leaders in their category. Due to the fact that they represent a significant proportion of European sales, they contribute to an overall reduction in emissions.

The following models are examples of low-carbon leader vehicles:

• Citroën C4 Cactus, 1.6-litre BlueHDi, 100 hp, 82 grams of CO₂ per kilometre
• Citroën DS 3, 1.6-litre BlueHDi, 100 hp, 79 grams of CO₂ per kilometre
• Peugeot 308, PureTech 1.2-litre, 130 hp, 107 grams of CO₂ per kilometre. 

This petrol version also set a new fuel economy record of 2.85 litres per 100 kilometres, covering 1,810 kilometres on a 51-litre tank of fuel.

The recent Peugeot 308 and Citroën C4 Picasso models (built on the new EMP2 platform) and the Citroën C4 Cactus (launched in 2014) weigh significantly less than their predecessors, by 140 kilograms and 200 kilograms, respectively, which is a key factor in reducing emissions.

"The outstanding reduction in CO₂ emissions is the fruit of PSA Peugeot Citroën's advanced petrol and diesel engine technologies but also of its ongoing research to make lighter, more aerodynamic cars," said Gilles Le Borgne, Executive Vice President, Research and Development, PSA Peugeot Citroën. "The Group continues to invest heavily in research and innovation, particularly in the field of plug-in hybrid technologies and new-generation electric vehicles".

*Average homologated NEDC combined-cycle CO₂ emissions of PSA Peugeot Citroën passenger cars registered in 2014 across 22 EU nations (excluding Greece, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Malta).