The average emissions of a new car was cut by its biggest ever margin last year, it has been reported.

Impact of the recession and the government-funded scrappage scheme boosted the technological advancements made by vehicle manufacturers, according to the New Car CO2 Report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

In 2009 the average new car sold in the UK emitted 149.5g/km, which was down 5.4 per cent on the 2008 figure, according to data from the SMMT, which supports and promotes the interests of the UK automotive industry.

The rate of the decrease in emission levels was the best recorded, three times the average rate since data was first compiled in 1997.

All model segments registered reductions, with MPVs and 4×4s making the best improvements on their 1997 base levels.

The scrappage scheme, which was implemented last May to provide a short-term boost to the struggling new car market, had a noticeable impact on the CO2 level drop.

During the scheme, the average new car bought emitted 133.3g/km, which was 26.8 per cent less CO2 than the average scrapped car.

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