Clean Vehicles and Clean Fuels

GreenRoad Wins Fleet Heroes Innovation Award - Award Recognises Technology That Cuts Fuel Consumption up to 10%

2008-10-17T07:42:00.001Z

GreenRoad, an innovative world leader in driver safety technologies, today announced that it has won the Energy Saving Trust Fleet Heroes Innovation Award funded by the Department for Transport and organised in partnership with The Guardian and Fleet News.

The Fleet Heroes awards highlights best practice in fleet management and recognise those organisations that are addressing climate change by reducing carbon emissions from business travel. The award was presented to GreenRoad by the Secretary of State for Transport Geoff Hoon on October 14th 2008 at the London Transport Museum. The full list of winners is at http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business/Business/Transp....

“This award acknowledges the success our customers have had cutting fuel consumption and associated CO2 emissions by up to 10 percent,” said Aidan Rowsome, Vice President of GreenRoad EMEA. “Safety Center is an easy, cost-effective way for fleet managers to improve their carbon footprint while keeping their employees safer.”

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust commented: “The winners and runners up in the Fleet Hero Awards have taken simple, practical steps which not only help the environment but also help to save money and resources. My congratulations go to them all. They provide an example to any business or organisation that operates a fleet - no matter what size.”

GreenRoad Safety Center uses innovative technology to help improve driving skills and thereby reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Safety Center empowers drivers to manage their own safety and improve their driving techniques. With GreenRoad Safety Center, drivers can improve their performance and reduce their fuel consumption by up to 10 percent.

GreenRoad provides Safety Center as a complete service package to ensure optimal results. Safety Center is an individualised professional coach for drivers and a comprehensive automated solution for company managers. GreenRoad’s in-vehicle sensors collect information on up to 120 different driving manoeuvres. Each manoeuvre is evaluated in five categories: acceleration; braking, lane changing, cornering and speed handling. Using proprietary algorithms, manoeuvres are analysed to give drivers continuous in-vehicle feedback about areas that require improvement, and build their driver profile. Driver safety and economy levels are displayed using a colour classification system: green light indicates safe driving, yellow needs attention and red is high risk.

Feedback is also available using SMS, email, and Safety Center’s password-protected website. Drivers and managers are able to review detailed reports by fleet, driver, department, manoeuvre type, trip, etc., to easily and accurately identify their high-risk drivers and problem areas.

For more information about GreenRoad, visit http://www.greenroad.com.

Boardrooms begin to get interested in fuel management

2008-09-26T10:03:00.003Z

Global vehicle fleets have seen their fuel bills rise by as much as a third in the last year according to research by international leasing company Masterlease.

With vehicle manufacturers' continuous improvements in fuel efficiency now being swamped by escalating fuel prices, global businesses have to face the reality of increasing costs to their fleet management.

While average diesel prices have soared by a third in the last year, the story is not quite as grim for unleaded petrol - although globally it has still increased on average by 18% since 2007.

Despite the overall increase in fuel prices, the latest research by Masterlease shows some interesting differences between the countries. The most expensive countries to purchase fuel from are the UK, Norway and Sweden, although the price increases over the last year have not been as dramatic as in others.

At the other end of the spectrum, Australia remains the cheapest place to purchase fuel - although over the last twelve months the price of diesel has increased by 33%. However, the country that has endured the biggest price hike is Austria, with diesel prices rising a staggering 42%.

Masterlease carried out the survey in all 17 countries in which it operates to get a true picture of how much fuel is really costing global customers. The research was conducted in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

As well as the global price hikes on fuel, one factor that has a big impact on global fleet fuel bills is the provision of free private fuel to company car drivers. In nine out of the 17 countries, this is a taxed benefit, while in five of the countries surveyed (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Australia), free private fuel is not taxed.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in Australia, where as one of the highest emitters of carbon in the world, contributing on average 27.54 tonnes to the atmosphere every year per person, many businesses are looking at measures to compensate by investing in formal carbon offsetting activities.

Nick Brownrigg, CEO of Masterlease Group, commented: "While the fuel issue may not be particularly new, the relative cost of fuel has been the biggest recent talking point in fleet management and it would come top, or close to the top, with every fleet decision maker, wherever they are in the world. As a result, the continuing volatility in fuel prices has emphasised the importance to the fleet industry of effective fuel management and accessibility of information to help control costs at every stage.

"It is important for global businesses to understand exactly how much they are spending on fuel across all of their country operations, so that they can look for cost saving opportunities.

Green Driving Tips

2008-08-24T12:47:00.002Z

For a ten tips on how to driver 'greener' and also to save money, have a look at this site courtesy of The National Automobile Dealers Association.

http://www.greendrivingusa.com/greencheckup.html

Ford to launch all new Ford Fiesta in Cologne plant using renewable electricity

2008-08-16T18:23:00.003Z

Ford have just begun today began production of the all-new Ford Fiesta, the first in a portfolio of global small cars, at their Cologne plant in Germany.

The new small car represents the blueprint for future global product development efforts at Ford and will be tailored to meet customer preferences for interior features, exterior colors, body styles and other options in each region of the world. It will go on sale progressively between now and 2010, starting in Europe.

The Cologne plant is the first Ford assembly facility in the world to build the new global car. Production will start at Valencia Assembly Plant in Spain in January 2009.

In North America, the models will be produced at the company's Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in Mexico in 2010. Retooling the plant from its current production of F-Series trucks to small car production will begin in December.

Fiesta production for the Asian market begins later this year in Nanjing, China and Rayong, Thailand.

Within five years, Ford expects to build about 1 million vehicles worldwide off the new global B-car platform along with nearly 2 million vehicles off the global C-car unit.

"The Fiesta is special to us in Ford of Europe and to our customers," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. "Over the past 32 years it has consistently been at the top of the list of Europe's best-selling cars."

Since the first Fiesta was launched in 1976, more 12 million have been sold, with over 400,000 customers in 2007 proving the enduring popularity of the model.

Earlier this year, the Cologne plant began using renewable electricity generated by three hydro-power plants in Norway and Sweden, reducing the plant's CO2 emissions by 190,000 tons a year. This initiative is part of the company's overall commitment to further reduce the environmental footprint of its vehicles through their life cycle.

Environmentally Friendly Vehicles to Appear at Inaugural NextCruise(TM)

2008-08-14T09:20:00.003Z

The US public will be able to get a different take on cruising at the 2008 Inaugural NextCruise(TM) which takes place on August 15-16, when more than 30 of the latest environmentally friendly and future-looking vehicles from nine auto manufacturers will be available for viewing and, in many cases, riding in or driving. In addition, two "Green" race series will provide rides, driving simulators and autograph opportunities with a star driver.

Staged in the City of Pleasant Ridge, NextCruise(TM) will demonstrate that many of today's and tomorrow's "Green Machines" challenge the stereotype that environmentally friendly automobiles require customers to make significant sacrifices: in size, features, comfort and, especially, performance. Today's environmentally friendly vehicles are roomy, well-equipped and, in keeping with the spirit of the Dream Cruise, able to deliver surprising performance and fun.

"Auto manufacturers have been remarkably receptive to the chance to participate in an event that brings an environmentally friendly and future-looking dimension to the Woodward Dream Cruise," said Paul Eisenstein, NextCruise(TM) Chairman. "The public will have an unprecedented opportunity to engage the manufacturers in a dialog on the latest green technologies and to take a short ride or drive in Pleasant Ridge's beautiful streets."

Nine of the world's largest car prpducers have confirmed their attendance and highlights of the list of the super-high-mileage and ultra-low-emission vehicles, technologies and displays include:

New Technologies

-- Hydrogen-powered BMW 7-Series
-- Hydrogen-powered Ford shuttle buses (for transportation between the
NextCruise site and parking on the east side of Pleasant Ridge)
-- Fuel Cell-powered Chevrolet Equinox

Hybrids

-- Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
-- Ford Escape E85/Hybrid
-- Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
-- Toyota Prius Hybrid
-- Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (Two-mode)
-- Nissan Altima Hybrid
-- Toyota Camry Hybrid
-- Saturn Vue Hybrid (Two-mode)
-- Dodge Durango Hybrid
-- Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Clean Diesels

-- Audi Q7 TDI
-- Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec
-- VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI
-- Jeep Grand Cherokee
-- Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec
-- Bosch Clean Diesel Classic Corvette
-- VW Jetta TDI

Other

-- VW Tiguan
-- Chrysler GEM
-- Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car E85 Z06
-- Two-seater IndyCar Demonstrator
-- IndyCar Show Vehicle
-- IndyCar Series racing simulators (where attendees can climb in the
cockpit of an Indy car and test their driving skills on the various
race tracks where the IndyCar Series competes)

Displays

-- GM Two-mode hybrid engines and transmissions
-- GM LNF engines (used in Saturn Vue Red Line, Pontiac Solstice GXP and
Chevrolet HHR SS)
-- Bridgestone Green Initiative

NextCruise(TM) also will include a look at the next generation of "green" motorsports, including the ethanol-fueled IndyCar Series, and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), which features a unique Green Racing Challenge this season. The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix -- which takes place on Labor Day weekend -- includes both IndyCar and ALMS races in the booth it shares with Firestone. The motorsport display will include race cars and a special autograph appearances by star IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal.

For information go to www.nextcruise2008.com

European ministers to look at clean vehicle procurement

2008-06-18T19:02:00.002Z

As part of the revision of the proposal for a Directive on the promotion of clean and energy efficient road transport vehicles, EU transport ministers are set to strengthen a draft law requiring public authorities across to take energy and environmental costs into account when buying road vehicles.

The plans are aimed at shifting procurement behaviour towards greener vehicles. However, any deal reached by transport ministers would be provisional, since MEPs have yet to vote on the proposals.

More info here

Government to spend £1.2 million to white van man green!

2007-10-01T13:12:00.000Z

The Department for Transport has announced an extra £1.2million to train van drivers in greener, safer driving techniques.

The Safe and Fuel Efficient Drivers (SAFED) scheme aims to encourage driving techniques that save fuel, thereby cutting costs and CO2 emissions. Since its launch, the Department for Transport has invested nearly £2.2million in the scheme. SAFED is a one-day training course involving a mix of classroom and on-the-road tuition. It teaches drivers how techniques such as better use of gears and brakes (avoiding over-revving and unnecessary gear changes), keeping correct braking distances (not braking hard) and better road awareness (seeing junctions in good time) can improve both fuel efficiency and safety.

The DfT reports that the training has been immensely popular and so far the programme has trained nearly 7,800 drivers. Drivers who completed the training found they achieved an average 16% improvement in miles per gallon, giving a potential annual fuel saving of £3.3million and CO2 emissions reduction of 9,350 tonnes, equivalent to an average of £425 for each van driver and a reduction for CO2 emissions of around 1.2 tonnes.

Secretary for State, Ruth Kelly, said:

"White van man is turning green. By learning safe, fuel efficient driving techniques, van drivers are playing a vital role in cutting CO2 emissions. They're helping tackle climate change, saving money and improving safety without impacting on customer delivery times

"I congratulate all the drivers who've done the training so far and urge others to do the same - it makes business and environmental sense."

The new money will part fund training for new instructors, new assessors and up to 6,500 drivers over the next three years.

Fleet managers and van drivers interested in finding out how SAFED for Vans could benefit their business should visit http://www.safed.org.uk and navigate to the 'find a trainer' page, or call 0870 190 8440.

EU Proposes stricter fuel standards to combat climate change and reduce air pollution

2007-02-08T13:54:00.000Z

On 31st January the European Commission proposed new standards for transport fuels that will reduce their contribution to climate change and air pollution, including through greater use of biofuels. A key measure foreseen is that, to encourage the development of lower-carbon fuels and biofuels, suppliers will have to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the production, transport and use of their fuels by 10% between 2011 and 2020. This will cut emissions by 500 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2020 - equivalent to the total combined emissions of Spain and Sweden today.

New Hertfordshire Sustainable Energy Technologies Centre launches to build "greener" cars

2007-01-04T21:52:00.000Z

The final touches are being put on the building at the University’s College Lane campus, which will house the Sustainable Energy Technologies Centre (SETCE), an operation which will bring very significant advances in the global quest to move to zero carbon fuels.

Mr Derek Eade, Director of SETCE, commented: "As petrol and diesel are not able to be sustained in the coming future, we have needed to think about other ways of running cars."

As a result of this drive to minimise overall emissions of carbon dioxide by vehicles in the future, the University has entered into a Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) with ITM Power Plc in developing the use of electrolytic hydrogen in vehicle engines, which will be developed at SETCE.

The aim of the joint development programme is to improve internal combustion engine emissions; with the potential to bring very significant advances in the global quest to move to zero carbon fuels.

The programme includes the following objectives:

· To develop a safe, low-cost modification package for a town car to run on hydrogen and to provide the ability to refuel the vehicle at home or at work, independently of the current fuel delivery infrastructure.

· To investigate the conversion of existing petrol fuelled electrical generating sets to run on hydrogen produced from zero carbon sources, such as solar and wind.

· To investigate how the addition of hydrogen to the diesel combustion process can either reduce fuel consumption or pollutants and to provide the necessary on-board hydrogen generator system for diesel engines.

ITM will own all the intellectual property (IP rights) including any new discoveries made during the development carried out under this programme.

Jim Heathcote, CEO, ITM Power Plc, said: "We believe this development programme will help to demonstrate the importance of electrolysers for use in the automotive industry. The University is renowned for its close automotive industry relationships, excellent test facilities and high calibre engineers. These capabilities are crucial to the success of this development programme."

Mr Eade added: "We believe that the development programme that we are jointly undertaking could be significant to the automotive industry. We hope it will accelerate the market penetration of clean renewable transportation fuels. Widely distributed electrolysers could address the cost and availability problems that have prevented the adoption of hydrogen as a competitive fuel. We hope the programme will successfully place the University and ITM Power at the forefront of the hydrogen economy."

Bath University researchers could solve “bottleneck” in developing pollution-free cars

2006-12-11T21:53:00.000Z

Hydrogen-powered cars that do not pollute the environment are a step closer thanks to a new discovery which promises to solve the main problem holding back the technology.

Whilst hydrogen is thought to be an ideal fuel for vehicles, producing only water on combustion, its widespread use has been limited by the lack of a safe, efficient system for onboard storage.

Scientists have experimented with ways of storing hydrogen by locking the gas into metal lattices, but metal hydrides only work at temperatures above 300°C and metal organic framework materials only work at liquid nitrogen temperatures (-198°C).

Now scientists at the University of Bath have invented a material which stores and releases hydrogen at room temperature, at the flick of a switch, and promises to help make hydrogen power a viable clean technology for the future.

Although its fuel to weight ratio is insufficient to make an entire hydrogen tank from it, the material could be used in combination with metal hydride sources to store and release energy instantaneously whilst the main tank reaches sufficient temperature, 300°C, to work.

They hope to have the fully-working prototype ready within two to three years.

“The problem of how to store hydrogen has been a major bottleneck in the development of the hydrogen power technology,” said Dr Andrew Weller from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath (UK).

“Hydrogen has a low density and it only condenses into liquid form at -252°C so it is difficult to use conventional storage systems such as high-pressure gas containers which would need steel walls at least three inches thick, making them too heavy and too large for cars.

“The US Department of the Energy has said that it wants six per cent of the weight of hydrogen storage systems to be hydrogen in order to give new hydrogen powered cars the same kind of mileage per tank of fuel as petrol-based systems.

“Whilst metal hydrides and metal organic framework materials can achieve this kind of ratio, they only work at extremes of temperature which are difficult to engineer into an ordinary vehicle.

“Our new material works at room temperature and at atmospheric pressure at the flick of a switch. Because it is made from a heavy metal (Rhodium), its weight to fuel ratio is low, 0.1 per cent, but it could certainly fill the time lag between a driver putting their foot on the accelerator and a metal hydride fuel tank getting up to temperature.

“We are really very excited about the potential this technology offers.”

The University of Bath researchers made the discovery whilst investigating the effect that hydrogen has on metals. Having constructed an organo-metallic compound containing six rhodium (a type of metal that is also currently found in catalytic converters in cars) atoms and 12 hydrogen atoms, they began studying the chemical properties of the complex with researchers in Oxford (UK) and Victoria (Canada).

They soon realised that the material would absorb two molecules of hydrogen at room temperature and atmospheric pressure – and would release the molecules when a small electric current was applied to the material.

This kind of take up and release at the atomic scale makes the material an ideal candidate for solving the hydrogen storage problem.

The researchers are now looking at ways of printing the material onto sheets that could be stacked together and encased to form a storage tank.

Potentially this tank could sit alongside a metal hydride tank and would kick into action as soon as the driver put their foot on the accelerator, giving the metal hydride store the time to heat up to 300°C - the temperature that normal petrol-powered engines run at.

“With the growing concern over climate change and our over-reliance on fossil fuels, hydrogen provides us with a useful alternative,” said Dr Weller.

“We have been able to use hydrogen to power fuel cells, which combine hydrogen and oxygen to form electricity and energy, for a number of years.

“But whenever the fuel is considered for cars we hit the stumbling block of how to store hydrogen gas in everyday applications.

“The new material absorbs the hydrogen into its structure and literally bristles with molecules of the gas. At the flick of a switch it rejects the hydrogen, allowing us to turn the supply of the gas on and off as we wish.

“The fact that we discovered the material by chance is a fantastic advertisement for the benefits of curiosity driven research.

“In principle it should be possible to produce ready amounts of hydrogen using sea water and solar cells, giving the next generation of vehicles an inexhaustible supply of environmentally-friendly fuel.

“In fact other research in Bath’s Department of Chemistry is at the forefront of the solar cell research, new battery technologies and new fuel cell technologies which could help unlock what many people are calling the hydrogen economy.

The research was initially funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council.

The researchers are now working on the first stages of the prototype, which involves printing the material onto a glass substrate. A further £500,000 grant to the Department of Chemistry has enabled Weller along with other researchers in the Department to buy two mass spectrometers which allows them to examine the molecular structure of the material.

It was published in the scientific journal Angewandte Chemie in August 2006, and reviewed by Nature in September 2006. Copies of both articles are available from the University of Bath press office.

Sir Richard Branson Gives Green Light to Saab BioPower

2006-11-26T12:48:00.000Z

Move over fossil fuel - that's just so passé - or that's the message as the UK's most high-profile and best-known businessman Sir Richard Branson takes delivery of a Saab 9-5 BioPower!

Sir Richard's switch to his Saab flex-fuel car, which runs on the eco-friendly and renewable fuel source bioethanol E85 (made from plant products such as wheat and grain), reinforces the Virgin boss' unwavering commitment to fighting one of the biggest challenges of our times - that of global warming.

Speaking today (Wednesday 15th November) as he took the keys of his new Saab, Sir Richard said: "I am convinced that biofuels are the way forward, both for the car and aviation industries, which is a vision we share with Saab. Now we need to extend that vision to others. It's high-time that flex-fuel cars, such as the Saab 9-5 BioPower, are given the same concessions in the UK as other green cars, like for example, exemption from London's Congestion Charge."

He continued: "At the moment, bioethanol is made from a variety of agricultural sources, whilst in the future, we will see it made from cellulosic waste matter, such as wood chippings, which really will make it the ultimate green fuel"

Earlier this year, the Virgin Group announced that all profits and equity realisations over the next ten years from the group's worldwide transport companies, including Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Trains in the UK, would be invested in the renewable energy sector. The amount to be invested is expected to be some £1.6bn. Virgin Fuels is expected to be one of the beneficiaries and has already invested in bioethanol production and will conduct research and development into alternative transport fuels, including bioethanol and an alternative biofuel for aviation. Sir Richard's new car will carry both the Virgin Fuels and Saab BioPower logos.

Consultation begins on detailed proposals for London-wide Low Emission Zone

2006-11-20T22:08:00.000Z

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, today announced the start of detailed consultation by Transport for London on the proposed London-wide Low Emission Zone. The scheme is aimed at reducing emissions from the most polluting diesel engine lorries, coaches, buses, heavier vans and minibuses.

Low Emission Zone scheme would aim to improve London's air quality - and thereby improve Londoners' health - by encouraging operators of large diesel vehicles to clean up their fleets.

From 2008, diesel engine lorries, coaches and buses that fail to meet a minimum pollution standard face having to pay a charge if they drive within Greater London. Such a charge would be designed to act as an effective incentive for operators to modify or replace dirty vehicles.
The Low Emission Zone could go live as early as February 2008. It is also proposed that by 2010 the scheme would be extended to heavier diesel engine light goods vehicles and minibuses. From 2012 the emissions standard for Heavy Goods Vehicles, buses and coaches would be tightened to Euro IV standards for particulate matter.

Transport for London has published a scheme order this week, and consultation on the plans will run until 2 February 2007. Explanatory notes and leaflets for both the public and for operators have been produced by Transport for London to inform the consultation process. Following the consultation the Mayor will decide whether or not to confirm the proposals with or without modifications.

Ken Livingstone said: "The proposed Low Emission Zone is the most effective way of quickly reducing pollutants that are among the most harmful to human health. It will make London one of the first cities in the world to have taken such a radical step to tackle air pollution and safeguard our environment.

"London suffers the worst air quality in the UK and amongst the worst in Europe. We want people living, working and visiting London to benefit from better air quality and to live longer and healthier lives."

More information is available on the LEZ section of the TfL website or by calling Transport for London's LEZ helpline on 08457 224577.

How Green Is Your Car? - Conservative Party launches Green Car website.

2006-11-20T22:00:00.000Z

How Green Is Your Car? is a new website containing evironmental information about every car currently on sale in the UK.

Launched at the Conservative Party Conference by Shadow Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, the website is a 'must visit' location for drivers looking to find out more about the impact their cars will have on the environment.

During a debate on the environment at the conference, Chris said "It contains the league tables that the Government will not publish."

"I discovered a few weeks ago that the Government had asked the Energy Saving Trust to produce a set of green car league tables. To my amazement I was told that Ministers had refused to publish that information. So, as part of our green cars strategy, we're going to do it ourselves."

Click here to visit howgreenisyourcar.co.uk

Chinese government is in a mood to change the face of its roads. The country is promoting the use of eco-friendly LNG as vehicle fuel.

2006-11-20T21:53:00.000Z

The government of China is soon going to launch a research and promotion program to amplify the use of non-polluting LNG as vehicle fuel. This move is an attempt to reduce the air pollution blackening its sky.

Hou Fushen, an engineer with 'National Clean Vehicle Co-ordination Leading Group' and 'China Automotive Technology and Research Center', said that their target is to make the LNG vehicles more technically advanced with a reduction in cost and harmful gas emissions. The government is planning to carry out technical research and development. The products of the research, like buses, will be demonstrated in selected cities.

Last year, the rapidly expanding middle-class consumer base of the world's fastest-booming vehicle market invested liberally in vehicles and bought 5.9 Million new cars. It was more than China's total vehicle population in 1990. The country is the 2nd largest car market after US. So this addition in the existing caravan of cars is bolting tons of oil. China depends heavily on imports to meets its oil demand. Also, oil is a major culprit of spreading urban pollution. Hunting new fuels for vehicles will not only take care of the environmental pollution but also aid in diversifying fuel consumption of China.

According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, who has recently researched on "Future Outlook for Global LNG Market (2010)", the invasion of middle class consumers in vehicle market is on a high. Hence, China's government is offering many strategies to combat the problem of vehicle pollution to portray a clean image.

For more information, please visit: RNCOS Future Outlook for Global

Lib Dems support insurer's call to use the tax system to incentivise drivers into 'green' vehicles

2006-11-09T23:04:00.000Z

Seven in ten drivers would consider swapping to 'green' cars if they were cheaper. Early Day Motion tabled to incentivise green drivers.

With seven in ten drivers prepared to help reduce the UK’s carbon footprint by converting to environmentally friendly cars, insurer swiftcover.com is today calling on the Government to provide positive tax incentives to get drivers out of high emissions cars and into green vehicles.

Swiftcover.com’s Going Green1 report surveyed 1787 motorists and highlights motorist’s attitudes to ‘going green’. The findings show that having an eco-conscience spans all generations and regions, with 73% of drivers across all age groups stating they’d like to be kinder to planet.

Road transport currently accounts for around a quarter of UK green house gas emissions2 and less than 1%3 of the UK’s 32 million drivers4 own an environmentally friendly car. In the wake of its findings, swiftcover.com is calling on the Government to give tax breaks to green drivers who currently pay around £5,000 more each for cars that do the least to damage the environment.

Andrew Blowers, Chief Executive Officer at swiftcover.com, said: “Our report’s findings should act as a massive wake-up call for the Government who has clearly underestimated the number of drivers who are prepared to invest in environmentally friendly cars if they become more affordable.

“There is an almost £5,000 difference between the cost of a Toyota Prius5, a hybrid6 car and a Ford Mondeo7, a standard family car. Providing a tax incentive on the environmentally friendly option would bring the cost more in line with standard petrol vehicles. This would make green cars a viable alternative to their gas guzzling counterparts.”

Concerned by the research findings, Chris Huhne Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in support of swiftcover.com’s call to give incentives to consumers to purchase low emissions vehicles.

Chris Huhne comments: "The trouble is some low emission vehicles find it difficult to compete on price with equivalent standard cars so motorists have no incentive to go green. If the Government is serious about meeting its Carbon reduction targets, they should reform Vehicle Excise Duty so that there are tax incentives to encourage motorists to opt for low emission cars.”

Andrew Blowers concludes: “The research sends a clear message to the Government: Britain’s drivers want to go green, it’s up to you to help them achieve it.”

Definition of Clean Vehicles

2006-11-06T19:45:00.000Z

Clean vehicles are fuelled by renewable fuels or fossil fuels that are less pollutant than ordinary fuels, or use a technique which dramatically reduces pollution and energy use.