To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what steps his Department is taking to increase the fuel efficiency of new cars. (304054)

The Government were a strong supporter of the New Car CO₂ regulation adopted in April 2009. The regulation aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by setting manufacturers average CO₂ targets based on the new cars they produce that are registered in the EU. In particular, the Government played a successful leading role, in calling for an ambitious long-term target in the regulation. This target of 95g/km means that, on average, new cars will emit 40 per cent. less CO₂ in 2020 compared to 2007. In the UK alone, this is expected to save 7.6MtC0₂ per year by 2020.

In addition, the Government have allocated over £400 million to deliver policies, through the new cross Whitehall Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), aiming to place the UK at the global forefront of ultra-low carbon vehicle development, demonstration, manufacture and us. Details of OLEV's work can be found here:

www.dft.gov.uk/olev