New cars are helping to reduce the impact motoring has on the environment, the industry has claimed.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) told the chancellor Alistair Darling today that new vehicles were 13 per cent cleaner today than they were in 1997.

Paul Everitt, the trade association's chief executive, said engine technology meant cars rolling off the forecourt this month will be greener than ever before.

"We have made significant improvements in reducing CO2 emissions and transformed the environmental impact of our products," Mr Everitt said.

"New vehicles are cleaner, safer and more secure than the models they replace.

"It is important that government understands these achievements and works with us to deliver fair tax measures," he added.

Motorists are always keen to keep their costs down. As well as shopping around for the lowest car insurance quote, they can now save money by buying a greener car.

Lower emissions means cheaper car tax, and will soon bring an exemption from the central London congestion charge.

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