Replacing one million "old" cars would reduce pollution by almost 1/3

ANFAC claims that replacing one million “old” cars would reduce pollution in Spain by almost 1/3.

Replacing one million “old” cars would reduce pollution by almost 1/3, according to ANFAC, the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers. This measure would be part of its Mobility Plan.

The Mobility Plan promoted by ANFAC aims to replace more than one million cars that are 15 years old, which, according to its data, would reduce CO2 emissions by 29%.

As the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers points out, the Spanish vehicle fleet is very aged and is responsible for at least “82.3% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, 84.7% of particulate emissions and 29.1% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions”.

Renewing the car fleet

According to ANFAC, given this situation, a specific plan that prioritises renewing the vehicle fleet with a minimum allocation of 150 million euros is necessary. “The development of a global incentive plan that is integrated, continuous over time and based on technological neutrality, covering all alternative technologies available on the market, with levels of aid depending on their respective environmental characteristics, is considered necessary”.

The Association also highlights as one of the keys to the plan the arrival of new technological trends in the automotive sector and the challenge this could pose. ANFAC cites carsharing as an example. This phenomenon, which is backed in Europe with an investment of 55,000 million euros in startups. ANFAC also states that “carsharing is fundamental to new mobility since, according to a study carried out by Europcar Mobility Group Spain, 71.4% of the population considers it a valid alternative”.

In Madrid, it is important to note that companies such as Zity, WiBLE, Share Now, Emov, eCooltra, IoScoot, Movo, Muving, Coup and Acciona Mobility already operate.

Electrification of vehicles

Another trend that has taken on greater prominence in recent years is the electrification of vehicles. Added to this are vehicle connectivity and autonomous driving, and more than 80% of manufacturers already plan to launch vehicles with fairly high levels of autonomy. Moreover, most users consider connectivity fundamental in their cars.

However, as regards electrification, 40% of the models arriving on the market in 2021 will be battery electric or plug-in hybrids.