The average new car sold in 2003 emitted 9.3% less CO2 than models registered in 1997, according to the third and latest SMMT report on Uk registrations by C02 output. Based on data from 2003 new registrations, the figures also show a 1.2% year-on-year drop from 174.2 g/km in 2002 to 172.1 g/km in 2003.

The third annual report, UK New Car Registrations by CO2 Performance, shows how the UK new car market has moved partly as a result of these changes, with growth in sales of superminis, more diesel models and growing demand for alternative-fuel vehicles.

In 2003 34.2% of all newly-registered cars emitted less than 151 g/km, falling within one of the lowest three VED bands, compared to 7.8% in 1997. Diesels and superminis accounted for 27.3% and 33.9% of the overall market respectively. In 1997, the figures were 16.2% and 26.5%. 4,266 alternative-fuelled cars were registered, 49.8% more than the 2,847 units reported in 2002.