McKinsey: More cars don't have to mean more emissions

An integrated approach toward carbon abatement by the auto industry could reduce emissions even as the number of vehicles on the road worldwide grows, according to a report released by McKinsey & Company today.

A coordinated effort could reduce passenger vehicle emissions by 47 percent by 2030, compared to a “do nothing” approach that would result in carbon emissions rising by 54 percent in that period, the report states.

Between now and 2030, the number of cars on the road is expected to rise from 730 million to 1.3 billion.

Among the strategies the auto industry should adopt, the report states, are investing in more fuel-efficient vehicles, expanding use of biofuels, improving road and traffic infrastructure, and encouraging more use of both eco-friendly driving habits and public transport.

Increased fuel efficiency offers the greatest potential impact, accounting for 72 percent of the calculated possible emissions reductions.

According to McKinsey, “The need for radical, environmentally inspired innovation around fuel efficiency — and purposeful collaboration among automakers and their suppliers, energy providers, consumers, and policymakers that drives an integrated approach to reducing carbon emissions — represents a huge opportunity to reinvigorate the worldwide automotive industry.”