Cars in Europe have grown average 1.2cm longer every year since 2000

Cars sold in Europe have increased in average length by 1.2cm, height by 0.5cm, and width by 0.5cm annually since 2000, according to an analysis by the campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E). This trend, described as "relentless carspreading," has continued for approximately 25 years, despite a decrease in average family sizes. Researchers suggest that this "car bloat" could lead to an additional 2,600 traffic fatalities per year by 2040. The study indicates that larger vehicles increase the likelihood of fatalities in crashes and contribute to higher emissions, which negatively impact respiratory health and global temperatures. The analysis examined new vehicles sold across Europe, highlighting a consistent pattern of size expansion over the past two and a half decades.