Land Rover hoping for 20% emissions reduction by 2012

Land Rover and its fleet of SUVs is perceived by many to be one of the worst polluters in the industry but recent announcements to introduce carbon-offset programs and engine stop-start technology shows that it is trying to improve that image. Officials have now set a target to cut average carbon dioxide emissions for Land Rover by up to 20% over the next five years and they’re willing to put the money where their mouth is.

Together with Jaguar, Land Rover will be investing £700m to reduce CO2 emissions and will be exceeding the average cuts requested by the EU. However, according to the Financial Times, the 20% target won’t meet the proposed fleet average CO2 level 130g/km currently under discussion.

Other initiatives Land Rover plans to implement include the launch of an all-new baby SUV, which was previewed in a teaser picture at last month’s Frankfurt Auto Show, as well as hybrid models. Future Land Rovers will also weigh less thanks to greater use of light-weight aluminum in their construction.