Ecology, Energy, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Transport
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Friday, 29.03.2024, 00:40
Estonians buy the most polluting cars in Europe
Estonia is followed in the worst polluters list by Latvia and Bulgaria, with 140 grams and 136 grams respectively. The most efficient vehicles are bought y the Dutch, the Greek and the Portuguese – 107, 108 and 109 grams, according to the European Energy Agency.
Public Broadcasting reported Estonian Car Sales and Service Companies Union AMTEL CEO Arno Sillat saying that the reason for the high pollution level of cars bought by Estonians is that Estonians do not have the means to buy an additional small car for the family, something quite usual in Europe. When an Estonian buys a car, he buys one that is, generally, as universal as possible.
"In our context, this means that those who can afford it buy a four-wheel-drive, universal car or SUV. The statistics show that among private purchasers of new cars, the share of SUVs is higher than among company car purchases," he said.
Universality, however, means a somewhat larger engine and somewhat higher fuel consumption, which in turn is proportional to the CO2 emission.