The European Union has lead significant efforts in reducing the CO2 emissions by forcing car makers to manufacture greener cars. However, some countries appear to be reluctant in buying eco-friendly cars, according to Environmental Transport Association (ETA).
Romania was ranked 12th in a league table of who buys the most polluting car models in Europe, with an average 156 g/km CO2 emissions, down from the ninth. In 2007, the average emissions of CO2 for cars bought by Romanian drivers was 155g/km.
Portuguese drivers were the most eco-conscious in Europe last year when it came to buying cars with an average of 138g CO/km (ex. VW Polo).
In Latvia, there are the least green drivers with a figure of 181g/km (ex: Subaru Imprezza).
The European Union plans to reduce CO2 emissions of new cars to an average 130g/km by 2015.
“Car makers can build green cars, but they need us to buy them”, said the director of ETA, Andrew Davis.
| Ranking | Country | Average CO2 2008 (g/km) |
| 1. | Portugal | 138 |
| 2. | France | 140 |
| 3. | Italy | 145 |
| 4. | Denmark | 146 |
| 5. | Malta | 147 |
| 6. | Belgium | 148 |
| 7. | Spain | 148 |
| 8. | Poland | 153 |
| 9. | Hungary | 153 |
| 10. | Czech Republic | 154 |
| 11. | Slovenia | 156 |
| 12. | Romania | 156 |
| 13. | Ireland | 157 |
| 14. | Netherlands | 158 |
| 15. | Austria | 158 |
| 16. | Great Britain | 158 |
| 17. | Luxembourg | 160 |
| 18. | Greece | 161 |
| 19. | Finland | 163 |
| 20. | Germany | 165 |
| 21. | Cyprus | 166 |
| 22. | Lithuania | 170 |
| 23. | Sweden | 174 |
| 24. | Estonia | 177 |
| 25. | Latvia | 181 |
