Jato Dynamics announces that Peugeot has risen to #1 and Norway at #1 for the lowest average CO2 levels.

• Peugeot climbs one place to claim the lowest average CO₂ emissions for 2015 among volume brands in Europe at 103.5g/km
• Europe’s average CO₂ emissions for the year fell by 4.0g/km to 119.3g/km following strong falls in Norway, Switzerland and Czech Republic
• Norway recorded the lowest average CO₂ emissions of the 23 countries studied at 100.5g/km, a fall of 10.1g/km

Average CO₂ emissions for new cars continued to fall across Europe during 2015, according to the annual CO₂analysis carried out by JATO Dynamics. The analysis, which covered 23 European markets, concluded that average CO₂ emissions fell by 3.2% across 2015 to finish at 119.3g/km. 

The result was 4g/km lower than the total seen in 2014 and 7.5g/km lower than the figure registered in 2013. 

The improvement is due to significant reductions coming from small and midsize markets including Norway and Switzerland, better results posted by big volume car makers and increasing numbers of electric vehicle registrations. Importantly, the reduction coincided with a 9.3% rise in registrations in the 23 markets studied across the same period, further emphasising the headway being made.

Peugeot was the new emissions leader for 2015, ahead of Citroën and Renault, with an outstanding improvement of 5.8g/km compared to 2014. The French brand’s total average CO₂ emissions decreased from 109.3g/km in 2014 to 103.5g/km in 2015. Peugeot posted the second best improvement among the top 20 brands, buoyed by progress from the 1.0 and 3 cylinder petrol engines that power the Peugeot 108. The other Peugeot models that contributed to the overall improvement were the 308 with an average of only 97.8g/km (vs. 102.3 in 2014), and the Peugeot 208 at 99.3g/km.

Citroën, the other volume brand within the PSA Group, occupied second place with 105.7g/km, down 5.1g/km on 2014. This was driven by the higher volumes achieved by the Citroën C4 Cactus (+173%), the second best-selling Citroën in 2015 and the model that posted the second lowest average emissions for the brand this year.

Renault dropped two places to third in 2015, as the brand sold more SUV/Crossovers with bigger engines. The Captur’s registrations increased by 17%, while its average CO₂ emissions increased from 105.7g/km in 2014 to 106.2g/km in 2015. The new Kadjar compact SUV, introduced in the second half of 2015, counted for 5.1% of Renault registrations with average CO₂ emissions of 112.9g/km. The real progress was made by the Clio (-2.1g/km) and the Twingo (-6.1g/km).

Fourth place was claimed by Toyota, which managed to reduce its average emissions by 4.9g/km to 107.7g/km in 2015. Last year, Toyota’s hybrid vehicles counted for 29% of its registrations, three more percentage points than in 2014. Nissan stayed in fifth, posting the highest average increase in CO₂ emissions among the top 20. The Japanese brand recorded a rise in the average emissions for its top-seller – the Qashqai - from 115g/km to 116.3g/km in 2015, due to increased sales of the 1.2 115hp and 1.6 120hp petrol engines.

Skoda was the most improved brand in the top 20, reducing its average CO₂ emissions by 6.2g/km thanks to the new generation Fabia. The model included more efficient engines in 2015, allowing this subcompact to reduce its emissions from 121.6g/km in 2014 to 107.1g/km. Fabia sales rose 38% in 2015, and counted for 26% of Skoda’s registrations. Volkswagen, the largest car brand in Europe, posted the third best performance. Its average emissions dropped by 5.6g/km from 123.4g/km in 2014 to 117.8g/km in 2015. Volkswagen benefitted from the new Passat, which featured improved engines that allowed the model to improve its average emissions from 129.2g/km in 2014 to 114.1g/km last year.

Outside the top 20, it is important to mention the significant progress made by Land Rover (-11.4g/km), and Smart, whose average remained low – just 94.3g/km - despite the introduction of the larger Forfour model.

“There are a number of reasons for the improvements in CO₂ emissions in 2015. The introduction of lighter models, more efficient engines, and increased sales of hybrid and electric vehicles, all contributed to a positive outlook for further emissions reductions in the future.” commented Felipe Munoz, Global Automotive Analyst at JATO Dynamics.

All segments recorded a reduction in average CO₂ emissions in 2015 compared to 2014. The averages follow the expected patterns according to size, weight and engine type; for example, the city car segment posted the lowest average at 104.1g/km (-1.6g/km), followed by the subcompacts and compacts at 107.6g/km and 110.6g/km respectively. The midsize sedan/SW was fourth with 121.8g/km and then the small MPV was fifth with 122.6g/km. The average CO₂ emissions recorded by SUVs remained behind the midsize and large sedan segments at 143.7g/km. Luxury and Sports cars registered the highest CO₂ emissions average at 182.6g/km and 154.8g/km respectively. The biggest improvements came from the upper segments such as big MPVs (-10.5g/km), SUVs (-8.3g/km) and large sedans/SW (-7.7g/km).

Munoz added: “Despite the average emissions level in the SUV segment remaining high in 2015, the improvements made are promising for the industry and its future strategies for reducing emissions - especially given  status of SUVs as the best-selling segment in Europe.”

NORWAY OUTPERFORMS THE NETHERLANDS

Norway’s outstanding progress meant it overtook the Netherlands to record the lowest average emissions across Europe, with its emissions average falling from 110.5g/km in 2014 to 100.5g/km in 2015. Norway not only ranked first but recorded the highest reduction of all 23 countries. Last year zero-emissions car registrations increased by 42% and counted for 17% of total market. The Netherlands recorded an average of 101.3g/km, with hybrid and electric cars counting for 12% of the market in 2015 against 7.8% in 2014.

France recorded the lowest average CO₂ emissions among the Big-5 European markets, but its reduction was only 3.0g/km. Last year the French market saw a 22% rise in SUVs and 12% in city cars, while the demand for subcompacts and compacts grew by only 1% and 4% respectively. On the other hand, Germany, with the highest average among the Big-5 and the third highest in the full ranking, recorded 127.3g/km. It was negatively affected by the big share of midsize sedans/SW (12% of total market) and by the performances of compact cars, the country’s largest segment.

UK SALES SEPTEMBER - FORD - #1 Best Seller (Fiesta) - #1+ #2 Best Seller CV (Transit & Connect).

Ford total vehicle sales exceeded 70,000 in September as it recorded its all-time best-ever month for commercial vehicle (CV) sales with 16,526 registrations.

According to the official September sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT):

• Ford total vehicle sales 71,296, up from 69,438 in September 2014
• Ford is the UK market leader in total vehicle, car and commercial vehicle sales
• Fiesta is UK best-seller; Transit Custom and Transit first and second in CV sales
• Transit range is third in UK total vehicle sales
• In 50^th year as UK CV sales leader, Ford outsells nearest CV rival by two to one

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, said:  "Vehicle sales are boosted in September due to the number plate change, and in combination with March sales account for a third of the UK annual total.  Ford’s best-ever car and CV ranges have contributed to Ford sales for March and September combined exceeding 150,000.

“Ford’s long-standing UK market leadership – 38 years for cars, 49 years for CVs – is being strengthened through continued investment in exciting products and industry-leading technologies.  The sales success of our fresh and extended CV range underlines this, while car sales are outpacing rivals thanks to the flow of new models, including C-MAX, S-MAX, Galaxy, Mustang and Mondeo Vignale."

The official figures released by the SMMT today show that total car sales in September were up 8.6 per cent to 462,517 units, compared with September 2014. Ford car sales were 55,083, 11,125 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.  For the year to date (end September) total UK car sales were 2,096,886, up 7.1 per cent compared with the same period in 2014.  Ford car sales for this period were 268,328, 56,228 registrations ahead of its nearest rival.

Ford is also the clear leader in retail car sales, which most accurately reflect the preferences of private buyers.  For September, Ford’s retail car sales share was 11.4 per cent, 3.2 percentage points ahead of its nearest rival, and for the year to date, Ford’s retail car sales share was 12.2 per cent, a lead of 4.0 percentage points.

The Ford Fiesta is in its seventh year as the UK top seller and in September it recorded 22,807 registrations, 7,137 sales and 1.5 percentage points of share ahead of its nearest rival.  With total registrations of 108,054 for the year to date, the Ford Fiesta is the UK best seller by a significant margin – 35,219 sales and 1.7 percentage points of market share ahead of its nearest competitor.

Ford’s broad customer appeal across its car range is demonstrated by Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, Kuga and Galaxy all occupying top three places in their respective market segments.  Ford Kuga sales are at the highest level since it was launched with September registrations of 5,090, up 13.9 per cent, compared with September 2014,  and sales for the year to date of 25,605, up 35.4 per cent, compared with the same period in 2014.

UK commercial vehicle sales in September were up 19.4 per cent at 65,472, compared with September 2014.  At 16,526, total sales of Ford CVs were at the highest level ever recorded following the previous record of 16,497 achieved in March this year.  Ford CV sales for the month and for the year to date are more than double those of its nearest rival.

For the year to date total UK CV sales were up 18.9 per cent at 325,940, compared with the same period in 2014. Total sales of Ford CVs for the year to date were up 23.6 per cent at 80,833, compared with 2014.

Ford light commercials sales for the year to date were up from 12,643 to 17,679, compared with the same period in 2014 and Ford medium commercials sales for the year to date were up from 52,735 to 63,154, compared with 2014.

The full availability of Ford’s extended CV family has helped deliver this strong sales momentum.  Fiesta Van, Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom, Transit and Ranger are all placed in the top three in their respective market segments.

Annual Land Rover Fest to showcase Discovery number 1.

This year’s Eastnor Land Rover Show will celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Land Rover Discovery with a very special model – the very first off the production line in 1989 when it returns to Eastnor Castle’s Deer Park on the early dates of 24^th and 25^th May.

The three door estate Discovery with a four cylinder diesel turbo direct injection engine has the registration mark F981 ENV and is just one of the vehicles on the Land Rover Experience Eastnor stand at the two-day show.

Along with other celebrated Land Rovers, Land Rover Experience Eastnor will also showcase its Mini Terrapod demonstration unit and have a range of miniature Land Rovers for those children under 10 years to enjoy. 

With Eastnor Land Rover Show held at the ancestral home of Land Rovers off road testing ground, Land Rover Experience is offering visitors can enjoy a self-drive session – be it the scenic route or, for the more experienced off-roaders, the adventurous trail into the depths of the Eastnor Estate. Each session costs £55 and must be booked in advance by calling Land Rover Experience Eastnor on 01531 638779.

Come for the day or for the entire weekend to soak up the electric atmosphere of this event as the show offers excellent camping facilities as well as campers enjoying live music, licensed bar and good food - all in the company of other Landy enthusiasts. Camping is available on Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th with the site including a separate family campsite area.

Advanced tickets start from £10 per adult and a family can take advantage of a weekend of camping and entertainment from as little as £50. Children under the age of 15 years can visit for free with each paying adult and car parking is free.

Eastnor Land Rover Show is open from 9am until 5pm on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th May 2014. For more information on Eastnor Land Rover Show visit www.eastnorlandrovershow.com

Vauxhall celebrates being number one brand in Scotland in 2013.

• Vauxhall is Scotland’s number one car maker for sixth year running
• Over 27,000 Vauxhalls sold in Scotland in 2013
• Corsa is Scotland’s best-selling car for sixth consecutive year

Hitting rivals for six, Vauxhall was the biggest-selling manufacturer in Scotland last year, for the sixth year running, with 27,739 cars sold.

It was also the joy of six for the Corsa supermini, Scotland’s top-selling car for the sixth consecutive year. The ever-popular Astra was Scotland’s number five with 6,545 vehicles sold. Innovative programmes such as Vauxhall Flexible Finance and Lifetime Warranty helped drive sales.

“We are delighted to again be Scotland’s biggest-selling car manufacturer with the region’s best-selling car, the Corsa, for the sixth year running,” said Gordon Hannen, Vauxhall’s Regional Operations Manager for Scotland.

“It’s the perfect way to round off Vauxhall’s 110th year of building and selling vehicles in the UK.  The Corsa also celebrated its 20th Birthday last year and after two decades as a top-seller it shows no sign of going out of fashion with Scottish buyers.

“Vauxhall’s excellent performance in Scotland is a huge part of our overall UK success story with sales and market share both up last year.

“It’s exciting times for Vauxhall with three new models launched in 2013 and more to follow this year.

“We’re also in the middle of a raft of new engine launches, which will continue for the next two years, making our products more refined, efficient and desirable for customers. One way or another, it’s clear that Vauxhall will be a force to be reckoned with in 2014.”