The evolution of European passenger car characteristics 2000-2010 and its effects on real-world CO2 emissions and CO2 reduction policy

► We calculated the evolution of average European passenger car characteristics. ► Results of the calculation were used for predicting the real world CO2 emissions. ► Reductions observed over certification are up to a point reflected in real world. ► The certification-real world emissions difference appears to increase in some cases. ► The gap between diesel and gasoline vehicle CO2 emissions is narrowing.