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UK new car average CO2 now under 140g/km

UK motor industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) claims 56% of new cars sold in the UK during 2010 boasted carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions figures below 140g/km. New car emissions of CO2 continued to fall at an increased rate year-on-year, dropping 3.5% over 2009’s figures and representing a cumulative drop in new car CO2 emissions of 20.3% since 2000.  The data comes from the release of the SMMT’s annual New Car Carbon Dioxide (CO2) report for 2011, out today. UK vehicle fleet CO2 continues to fall The presence of lower-polluting new vehicles in the overall UK vehicle parc (the total fleet of new and existing vehicles on the roads) has driven parcwide CO2 levels down 7.8% since 2000, and 2.7% since 2009.  This is partly thanks to new vehicles, and also due to reduction of higher-polluting vehicles via legislation and scrappage incentive schemes. The overall reduction also comes in spite of an increased number of vehicles on the road, and greater average distances travelled compared to 2000. Diesel’s rise continues One notable trend has been market penetration of diesel-powered cars. In 2000 petrol powered cars held 85.9% of the market, with 14.1% diesels.

Audi A9 coupe/cabriolet planned for 2014

To achieve its goal of becoming the world's leading premium car maker by 2015, Audi continues to pull out all the stops. And while the range is stretching down with the A1 and imminent A2 superminis, Ingolstadt is also eyeing a move upmarket - with a proposed new A9. A new Audi A9?

Cadillac Elmiraj concept (2013)

Cadillac has revealed its Elmiraj grand coupé concept, which showcases its plans for its next-generation flagship sports models. The four-seater concept – which measures in at 5,207mm long, 1,930mm wide and 1,397mm high – was designed at General Motors' advanced design studio in North Hollywood, California, under the direction of Frank Saucedo and is an evolution of last year's Cien concept. Mark Adams, Cadillac design director, says, "Elmiraj advances Cadillac's provocative modern design and performance, contrasted with bespoke craftsmanship and luxury.