Environmental website Clean Green Cars has released the average CO2 figures for new cars sold in the first quarter of 2008.

Overall, the average is down 2.8% from the same time last year – it has fallen to 161.1g/km from 165.8g/km.

The manufacturers with the biggest drop in emissions are Jeep, Subaru and BMW with falls of 21%, 11.4% and 11% respectively.

BMW’s progress is noteworthy in that they are responsible for six of the top 10 most improved models. Leading the way is the 6-series, 258.4g/km down to 208.2g/km, followed by the 5- and 1-series.

Due to BMW’s work with its Efficient Dynamics system, sister brand Mini is now the UK’s lowest CO2 emitting manufacturer.

General Motors would do well to take note – Vauxhall, Saab and Chevrolet all saw a rise in their average CO2 emissions. Chevrolet was the worst offender with an increase of 7.5% from 160.4g/km to 172.4g/km.

Top five lowest CO2 car makers
Manufacturer 2007 Q1 (g/km) 2008 Q1 (g/km) reduction
Mini 155.63 138.87 10.77%
Fiat 141.29 139.64 1.17%
Peugeot 147.59 141.28 4.28%
Citroen 147.97 145.79 1.47%
Toyota 149.38 146.41 1.99%