New cars are dirtier and less fuel efficient than manufacturer claims: study

Cars manufacturers in Australia are quoting fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions figures which are unrealistic and not a reflection of "real-world" driving, the results of a new study have shown on Monday.

Following the Volkswagen emissions scandal, in which hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide were affected by shonky emissions claims, the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) commissioned a test targeting car manufacturer laboratory figures of fuel consumption and emissions.

The AAA said its study uncovered that manufacturer-quoted figures were often unrealistic because tests were conducted in laboratories and not on actual streets.

"Results show emissions of noxious gasses up to four times the regulatory limits, while greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption was up to 35 percent higher than figures shown on the relevant Government-mandated Fuel Consumption Label, and 20 percent higher on average," a statement accompanying the results said.

AAA CEO Michael Bradley told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) manufacturers should give buyers results which accurately reflect real-world driving.

"These are all cars which, when tested in the lab, were fine. We're not saying the information is wrong, but there is clearly a very big difference when driving around on the streets," Bradley said on Monday.

In the AAA statement, he added the Australian government must consider legislative changes which force manufacturers to quote "real-world" figures and not those conducted in a manufacturer's laboratory.

"It's critical that real-world testing is introduced to ensure motorists aren't asked to pay more for regulation that fails to deliver environmental benefit," Bradley said.

"(We) note that the European Union is currently transitioning away from relying solely on laboratory testing to improve the effectiveness of its emissions regulatory model and we encourage the Australian government to do likewise." Endit