Specific CO2 emissions of new cars

  • Large discrepancy in the specific emissions of new cars among countries: a 20% gap between the two extreme groups of countries: from less than 110 gCO2/km (Netherlands, Malta and Portugal) to more than 130 gCO2/km (Luxembourg, Lithuania, Germany and Bulgaria).
  • 122 gCO2/km for EU average in 2019.
  • 10 EU countries below 120 gCO2/km: Netherlands, Malta, Portugal, Denmark, France, Ireland, Finland, Greece, Italy and Croatia.
  • In 2018, all EU countries except Estonia and Luxembourg were below the mandatory limit of 130 gCO2/km since 2015 for cars manufacturers. However, in 2019, 5 more EU countries are again above this limit: Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and Slovakia. No country has yet reached the 95 gCO2/km target for 2021.

Specific CO2 emissions of new cars (2019)

  • Rapid progress since 2007 in all countries, especially in the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden (above 3%/year).
  • Progress due to the spread of smaller vehicles, with the implementation of national policies and standards for car manufacturers.

Trends in the specific emissions of new cars