Cut fuel usage,so saving costs,and reducing carbon emissions- the Ford econo way

Fuel efficiency leads to savings and lower emissions. The following app has got to be worth a look.

Ford Econo Check, which went on sale this year, enables Ford vehicles to be fitted with a data logger for seven days to monitor how they are driven. In response to the latest fuel price rise, its price is now £11.99 to help drivers minimise petrol and diesel use.

Ford says the The Ford Econo Check app calculates potential fuel savings for any car – based on make, model, age and annual mileage – and pick up fuel efficient driving tips on any iPhone or iPad.

Once the Econo Check chip is removed and data downloaded, a tailored report advises how modifying gear changes, anticipation, acceleration and braking will improve fuel economy. Resulting savings are also shown, which can be up to 25 per cent or £474 a year according to a study of 50,000 drivers.

Now all iPhone and iPod users can access Ford Econo Check tips and generalised data for any vehicle make. Those who are Ford drivers can locate their nearest Ford dealer to book an Econo Check for their personalised report.

May I wish you all the very best for a healthy and prosperous New Year!

New London Congestion Charge effective 4th January 2011

The Green Car Guide has just announced its Top 10 Cars that you'll be able to drive in London free of the New London Congestion Charge which starts on 4th January 2011 - Green Car Guide

It reports that: "Boris's new emissions-based system, where cars emitting 100 g/km CO2 or less will be exempt - as long as they meet Euro 5 air quality standards - will replace the current 'technology-based' approach, meaning that hybrids will no longer necessarily be exempt from the charge - unless they comply with the criteria above.

The outcome is likely to be that lots of diesel-engined cars will replace the popularity of cars such as the previous-generation Toyota Prius, which emitted 104 g/km CO2 and which will soon have to pay to drive in central London...

...
Electric cars will be appearing from mainstream manufacturers from early 2011, and with zero tailpipe emissions they will provide a much better solution to help with clean air in central London. However they will be treated no differently in terms of Congestion Charge exemption than a diesel car emitting 99 g/km CO2... Green Car Guide

• First electric vehicle to win the prestigious award
• Car and batteries to be built in Britain from 2013
• UK deliveries start in March, priced at £23,990

Nissan Leaf lifts prestigious CoTY award for 2011

Since my last post yesterday, I have received the historic news that the 100% electric Nissan LEAF has been awarded 2011 European Car of the Year. This is fantastic news for Nissan and low emission cars.

The world’s first mass-marketed, affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the global market beat 40 contenders to win motoring’s most important accolade. This is the first time in the 47-year history of the annual competition that the award has gone to an electric vehicle. Nissan LEAF’s rivals included vehicles from brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo. The jury included 57 leading motoring journalists from 23 European countries.

“The jury acknowledged today that the Nissan LEAF is a breakthrough for electric cars. Nissan LEAF is the first EV that can match conventional cars in many respects,” said Håkan Matson, President of the Jury, Car of the Year.

For more information go to www.twitter.com/nissanpr

The Nissan Leaf is here!

Green-car-guide.com reports that : The Nissan LEAF, the world’s first mass-produced electric family hatchback, is now rolling off the production line, and Green-Car-Guide has carried out its most extensive test of the car to date, both in the city and on the open road.

The big headline is that no-one should fear the electric car. As long as you go into a relationship with a Nissan LEAF knowing that a slightly different mindset will be required about the range limitations, then there is very little to fault the car on.



In a full report Green Car Guide covers the road testing of the the LEAF on a variety of roads in Portugal, and says,"The car is primarily designed for the city, and it certainly makes complete sense in this environment. Driving it is easy, just move the computer mouse-like gear selector to drive, and it’s like driving a car with automatic transmission – except that you don’t get the sensation the car is struggling to find the right gear, which is a feature of many automatics."

The Guide also notes: " If you are on a renewable energy tariff then the electricity and car combination could mean zero emissions. If you get your electricity to recharge the car from the average UK energy mix, then this should mean that the CO2 [ emissions] of the LEAF is somewhere between 62-72 g/km."

For full details on the Leaf you should go to green-car-guide.com

Why go electric? You should Think about it!

According to the Think ev people the reasons you should go electric are:

• electric cars have no tailpipe at all, and no local CO2 emissions,nitrous oxide or particle emissions
• driving electrical vehicles (evs) will even reduce noise pollution
• evs are both clean and silent

The THINK City is on sale across Europe with production reaching the milestone of 2,500 units recently. Sales and production are also about to commence in the US. THINK has been a unique innovator in pure electric vehicles and power-train technology for nearly twenty years, positioning the company as a world leader in producing cars on a dedicated and highway safe platform. The THINK City can maintain speeds of 70 miles per hour and travel up to 100 miles on a single charge. In total THINK has now sold approaching 10,000 EV’s accumulating 35 million zero-emissions road miles to date.

Check out the full range at thinkev.com now.

The 9-5 set to resurrect the Saab brand with its green credentials

The Green Car Guide reports the following data for the 9-5 a 2.0 litre diesel:

Fuel economy extra urban: 64.1 mpg
Fuel economy urban: 40.9 mpg
CO2 emissions: 139 g/km
Green rating: VED band E - first year £110
Weight: 1725 Kg
Company car tax liability (2010/11): 19%
Price: £26,495 (From £26,495 - £37,795)
Insurance group: 24E
Power: 160 bhp
Max speed: 134 mph
0-62 mph: 9.4 seconds
DPF: Yes

For the full details of the Saab 9-5 Saloon 2.0 TiD review, Saab 9-5 Saloon 2.0 TiD road test go to the Green Car Guide site

Also featured is the Vauxhall Insignia now with higher mpg and lower CO2 emissions. You can check it out at Green car Guide

Toyota hybrid engine first for Deeside

According to the The Liverpool Post - 'Toyota's £700m plant in North Wales has become the first factory outside Japan to manufacture a hybrid engine... the Deeside operation which opened in 1992 is to build the 1.8-litre VVT-1 petrol engine for the new Auris Hybrid model.'

Richard Kenworthy, TMUK's General Manager Engine Manufacturing, is reported to have said:"This is the first time a Toyota hybrid engine has been manufactured outside Japan and we take great pride in having that opportunity."

For more information about the new Auris and its low emission credentials check out the report at Green-Car-Guide.com

New cars in Europe making a difference with lower CO2 emissions

According to the world’s leading provider of automotive intelligence, JATO Dynamics,average European new car CO₂ emissions are falling at a faster rate than ever before and are on course to meet 2015 EU targets

Volume-weighted, average European new car CO₂ emissions have fallen by almost 20g/km since 2003 – now 145.9 g/km

2009 experienced greatest single-year reduction in CO₂emissions

New technologies, taxation, recession, high fuel prices and scrappage all driving CO₂ downward

Current rate of reduction puts 2015 EU targets within reach, says JATO

Last year saw the greatest single-year decline in average CO₂, as the urge to put cleaner cars on the road was accelerated by the rich mix of customer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles, the introduction of CO₂ based taxes in some markets and national scrappage schemes across Europe favouring smaller, cleaner cars.

The volume-weighted European new car average is now 145.9 g/km, almost 20 g/km less than 2003, when JATO began collating European CO₂ emissions data. Furthermore, half of all new cars sold in the 21 countries analysed had official CO₂ emissions of 140g/km or less, compared to only 23% in 2003.

Said David Di Girolamo, Head of JATO Consult: “The pace of improvement is remarkable and shows just how rapidly the industry has reacted to environmental demands. In 2003, only 24% of the market achieved an average of 130g/km. This was 40% by 2007, 51% in 2008 and 69% last year, already ahead of the 2012 EU target*. This achievement is even greater when set in the context of new cars becoming larger, safer and better equipped, as consumer demands reach ever higher.”



According to JATO, the progress in CO₂ emissions is due to three key factors:

#1. Vehicle developments

#2. Taxation

#3. Scrappage schemes

You can see the full data compiled in the JATO Consult CO2 Report 2009 at www.jato.com

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The zero emission all-electric Nissan Leaf car to be made in Sunderland UK

Today’s news that UK is to become the third global manufacturing location for Nissan electric vehicles is great news for Sunderland in the UK. Nissan’s decision also sees the UK as a leader in the development and commercial production of low and zero emission cars.

The first in a range of Nissan electric vehicles is the Nissan LEAF announced by Nissan as the world’s first affordable, mass produced zero emission car. Production is to begin in early 2013.

Initial annual production capacity in Sunderland will be about 50,000 units. Together with Sunderland battery plant production, this represents more than a 420 million GBP (468.2 million euro) investment in zero emission mobility.

Nissan also said that construction of its advanced lithium-ion battery plant, announced last year, is to begin this April. The Sunderland facility will have a production capacity of 60,000 units a year and will start manufacturing batteries in 2012 for both Nissan and its Alliance partner Renault.

Andy Palmer, senior vice president at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and responsible for the company's global EV strategy, said: “The world is at the dawn of a new era in automotive transport. Nissan LEAF, which will go on sale later this year, is a five-seater hatchback that offers the same space, practicality and performance of a similar car in its class – minus the tailpipe emissions."

Production of Nissan LEAF will begin in Oppama, Japan later this year followed by Smyrna, Tennessee, USA in 2012. Sunderland will come on-line in early 2013 with an initial annual production capacity of about 50,000 units.

The three production sites will support the sales launch of the model, which begins in late 2010 in Japan, the United States and selected European markets, ahead of global mass marketing from 2012.

Nissan and its Alliance partner Renault are the only automakers committed to mass marketing pure electric vehicles on a global scale and together have announced production capacity of 500,000 units per year.

Last December, Nissan and Regional Development Agency One North East signed a definitive agreement on zero emission mobility. The agreement includes the development of a regional network of charging points, supply of Nissan LEAF to the region from early 2011 and a range of incentives for early adopters of EVs, such as a period of free charging and use of dedicated EV lanes.

Although zero-emission vehicles are the centerpiece of Nissan’s product strategy, the company is also investing in a portfolio of low-emission technologies (called PureDrive) such as clean diesels, efficient internal-combustion engines and hybrids.

The speed of success of the electric car in UK will very much depend on the building of a supporting infrastructure of charging points, and the sweeping away of the vestiges of consumer resistance to EVs and their perceived shortcomings compared to conventional engined cars.

NISSAN LEAF at a glance:

- World’s first affordable, mass produced zero emission car

- Five-seater C-segment hatchback

- Powered by an 80kW electric motor

- Charges to 80% of capacity in under 30 minutes (rapid charging)

- Real-world range: 160 km (100 miles - US-LA 4 mode)

- Top speed of more than 140 km/h (90 mph)

- Produced on all-new dedicated EV platform

- Try the Green-Car-Guide for more information of Leaf and electric cars

Fiat Group post Europe's lowest CO2 car emissions

Fiat's achievements with such iconic cars as the Fiat 500, a retro car with today's attitude for helping reduce the motor industry's carbon footprint, have been reported here down the years.

So it is no surprise to have the following report from Fiat.

Fiat Automobiles report a CO2 average of just 127.8 g/km, compared with 133.7 g/km in 2009’s results. This puts it ahead of Toyota(130.1 g/km), Peugeot (133.6 g/km), Renault (137.5 g/km), Citroen (137.9 g/km), Ford (140.0 g/km), Opel/Vauxhall (148.9 g/km), Volkswagen (150.4 g/km), Audi (160.9 g/km) and Mercedes (176.4 g/km).

Fiat has again set new standards in cutting carbon dioxide emissions, after both the Fiat brand and Fiat Group posted Europe’s lowest volume weighted CO2 emissions, according to JATO, the world leader in automotive advisory and research services.

Fiat also ranked first among the motor groups (131.0 g/km), ahead of Toyota, PSA, Renault and Hyundai.

The statistics show the average emissions figure for every vehicle Fiat sold in Europe in 2009, and also means that Fiat has beaten the European average target of 130 g/km five years ahead of its 2015 implementation.

This eco-friendly achievement is the result of a long-term Fiat strategy based on a two-pronged approach: implementing technological solutions aimed at containing consumption and emissions, and raising the awareness of motorists to spur a more responsible, eco-compatible use of their cars.

Unique engines, such as the new 900cc, 95 g/km Twin-Air two-cylinder and second-generation 1.3 MultiJet engines delivering power of up to 95hp, are part of that strategy. Raising awareness is the second part of the policy – implemented by Fiat’s eco:Drive the in-car software which analyses driver behaviour and suggests ways to improve it.

“These are important figures as they show not just the environmental impact of one or two of our cars, but the whole range,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK and Ireland. "That means that every vehicle we sell is making its own contribution to emissions cutting and is playing its part in making Europe a cleaner place in which to live.”

Nissan and Hertz Both Taking a Leaf to reduce carbon emissions

The Nissan Leaf is claimed by its manufacturer to be the world's first affordable zero emission car. The medium-size hatchback is specifically designed for a lithium-ion chassis and is said to provide an eco-mobility in line with rising consumer demand across Europe.It seats five , has a tested range of about 100 miles, or 160km and will go on sale in the US ,Japan,and Europe later this year. There will be a further boost for the car, following an agreement with Hertz,when the Leaf will be available for hire in Europe in 2011. Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mark P Frossora, says that the commitment to green-car rentals is one his company to extend on a global scale.

You can read more about the plans for the Nissan Leaf here

“The partnership with Nissan seals Hertz’s commitment to green-car rentals and firmly demonstrates our mission to advancing zero-emission mobility on a global scale,” said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “With unique solutions like the Hertz Green Collection already available to our customers, we believe in continuously providing innovative mobility solutions to sustain the growing demand for eco-travel,” he added.

Electric,hybrid and hydrogen cars to attract Government's new 'plug-in grant' for motorists

From January 2011, a grant will be available at the point of purchase on cars delivered directly from dealership or manufacturer which meet the technical requirements of the Government scheme and for which approval of state aid from the European Commission is given. In short, the cost of eligible electric,plug-in hybrid and hydrogen cars will be reduced by 25% up to a maximum of £5,000. The grant will apply to both private and business consumers. The benefit will be given on purchase, there and then, with no requirement to make a claim.

Details of the cars eligible for the scheme will be published by the government in due course, and on manufacturers' websites. Eligibility will depend on an expert panel ruling that certain performance criteria have been met.

The scheme has largely been welcomed by the motor industry. For more details of the announcement: Department for Transport

also the Green-Car-Guide.com

Tesla in Town! Exciting new electric sports car in the UK! No carbon emissions.

In December of 2006, I reported on 'the ultimate green dream car.' That car was the Tesla Roadster, and I have carried at the top of this page an image of a Tesla Roadster, and a link to Tesla Motors. At that time of writing the concept of motoring in such style and speed in anything other than a high-powered, high-end priced, conventional engined motor car was still considered by most as an eccentric whim, an impossible dream. The widespread belief was that electric cars of this nature, produced commercially in volume were never likely to be made. In any case who would want them?

Well, many people, prospective owners of the Roadster, took a leap of faith and put deposits down for one and prepared to wait. The Roadster was initially produced for the US market which it hit in 2007. It is truly satisfying to see a true green car which was once a mere concept car, and risked being a project failure meeting expectations.

This month the first right-hand-drive Roadster was delivered for the highways of the UK.

Tesla claim the benefits from buying a Roadster are significant. That car costs about 1.5 pence per mile compared to 32 pence per mile for the conventional petrol-powered sports cars. Add to this the forthcoming tax savings to encourage the purchase of low emission cars- petrol engined sports cars carry a 'show-room' tax of £950- and the waiving of the London Congestion Charge for alternative fuel vehicles and the Roadster owner's costs are considerably reduced .

It takes less than 10 seconds to plug-in the Tesla each evening. As the electric car market grows the infrastructure will be put in place to make it easier for recharging when away from home. Oh, and the car maker says that the owner will never need to pay for oil changes.

Worth a look. But it will set you back the best part of £90,000. Innovation and Style still does not come cheap. The exciting thing is that the technology works and should help drive the developments being carried-out by carmakers to produce volume production cars to meet all our pockets. Technology research company, Pike Research, predicts a 17-fold market increase in electric cars on our roads in the next five years.

Tesla Motors

Citroen claims new Anti Retro movement with the DS3

The DS3 has been launched with a massive advertising campaign under the slogan -"Never Look Back." Said to be a new Anti retro movement, always looking forward not back. But the best of its time is never to be sniffed at, in my view. The best of today always tends to build on the best from yesterday. So it is with the DS3, I believe.

With a body shape resonant of an evolved early mini , the DS3 is a stylish usurper.

Its green credentials are certainly of today, though. Sporting bang up to date hi-tech kit,USB connections and Hi-Fi with Bluetooth , the 1.6 HDi version is rated at a mere 99g/km of CO2 emissions. On top of this you can choose from 38 combinations of body and roof colour- now that's not quite psychedelic, but colourful looking forward.

For more information on the Citroen DS3 you can go to www.citroen.co.uk

The new VW Hybrid Touareg unveiled

This all-new Touareg is unveiled by VW as cleaner,sharper and lighter than its predecessor. 200g lighter and using 20 per cent less fuel it only manages 34 mpg on the combined cycle. But the real story is about new styling and other aspects of performance and features across four model versions of which the hybrid is but one.

Clean new styling which draws inspiration from the design direction established by the Golf Mk VI, the new Polo and the New Compact Coupé concept lends the new Touareg greater presence and a lower drag coefficient without sacrificing the functional requirements of short front and rear overhangs for off-roading.

Standard examples of the new Touareg will feature an eight-speed transmission as well as, on the majority of models, Start/Stop technology, touchscreen satellite navigation and leather upholstery. In addition, a choice of advanced new options can be specified including High Beam Assist that automatically dips the headlights when it senses oncoming traffic, Side Assist to warn of vehicles occupying blind spots, adaptive roll compensation air suspension and air conditioned, massaging seats.

At the heart of the new Touareg is a range of highly efficient petrol and diesel engines and, for the first time, a Hybrid

Production of the new Touareg for the UK market starts in June before first deliveries commence in August. Prices and specifications will be announced nearer this time.

More information on this at the Green Car Guide

A new clean, fuel efficient and sparky new mini car: the Spark from Chevrolet

Available in the Spring, in the UK, is the new Chevrolet Spark which replaces the Matiz. This is a sporty and roomy new mini, with 5-door and 5-speed manual gears. Reports are that it is likely to have greater appeal for younger drivers than its predecessor. The choice of engines is a 1.0 litre or 1.2 litre petrol engine giving on the combined cycle 55.4 mph, and CO2 emissions at a creditable 119 g/km. This is one to watch and it may only set you back about £7k with the standard package. There is a versatile 170 litres of luggage space which , with rear seats folded down ,becomes 568 litres. The interior design provides excellent leg room for both driver and passengers.

Worth looking out for in the near future. To find a local retailer you can visit www.chevrolet.co.uk

BMW's Vision for fuel efficient cars

It is a little while since we last looked at a concept low emission super car. Nothing could be more topical today than the work going on at BMW Efficient Dynamics for tomorrow. At BMW they are particularly excited about their concept sports car (as well as the electric ActivE pictured above).

BMW says,"The BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics is the most dynamic expression of the future, which marries the fuel efficiency of a hatchback with the power of a high-performance sports car. This concept car combines both diesel and electric engines to deliver 356 hp whilst only consuming 75.1 mpg at 99g/km CO2." To follow to an image of this car, and for more of this story of breathtaking performance and ground-breaking fuel efficiency, you should go to www.bmw.co.uk/vision

As I mentioned above, BMW also have the ActivE under development. This is a purely electrical concept car and a representation is given above. BMW is truly going for the fuel efficient and no or low emission cars.

Happy Second Anniversary to the Fiat 500

Can you believe it? It is almost two years to the day since the UK launch of the 500 city car, when it was exhibited in one of the viewing capsules of the London Eye. That launch of this low CO2 emitting car with the iconic design was reported here at low emission cars.co.uk on 25th January 2008 ( you can go to the right sidebar here and click on January 2008 for the archived report).

Fiat Marylebone, the flagship motor dealer has marked this special occasion with a 'gallery' viewing of a unique collection of special edition Fiat 500 models from around the world.

“Artists, architects, designers, musicians and painters have all felt moved to put their distinctive stamp on the Fiat 500,” says Andrew Humberstone, managing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. “And the resulting works of art shown at these second anniversary celebrations were the products of their talent, inspiration and relationship with a great car."

He reports that more than 40,000 500s have been sold in the UK since the launch two years ago. Fiat are delighted with the sales success.

Eight uniquely designed Fiat 500s were displayed in the gallery, including the 500 Capri by Castagna, the 500 Valentino Rossi, 500 by Andy, 500 Diabolika, 500 Ron Arad and the new Fiat 500 Pink, which went on sale exclusively on-line this week. Examples of the Fiat 500byDiesel and a racing Abarth 500 were also shown.

Each of the special cars will be displayed in the Wigmore Street flagship’s showroom window, one at a time, until the end of February.

So you think you know all about low emission cars? Try the Green Car Game.

I thought I knew about low emission cars. Well, perhaps I do, but, hey, we can all learn something more. Try this out. An unusual new game devised and recently issued by the team at the Green Car Guide . I could tell you all about it, but what would be the fun in that for you? Do have a look yourself. Access is free. If you are interested in fuel efficient cars the information is for you.

Coinciding with the launch of the Green Car Game was the announcement on 21st January that Green-Car-Guide.com ,the UK's original green car news website has become part of RSK Group, the UK's largest independent multidisciplinary environmental consultancy. RSK is one of the fastest growing companies of its kind in Europe.

Green-Car-Guide.com team's already impressive environmental credentials will be enhanced further by access to RSK's 850-strong consultant knowledge base, which includes experts in such relevant fields as transport infrastructure and carbon management.

With the resources that RSK can provide, the Green-Car-Guide should continue to grow to become one of the very first points of contact for motorists, raising their awareness and helping them choose cars with lower environmental impact.

So, go on. Have a go. Play the Green Car Game here.

For the second time in three years BMW scoops the Award for the Greenest Car Manufacturer

Could a premium car manufacturer possibly have what it takes to drive to the front and take the laurels as greenest car manufacturer in 2009?

Well ,Green-Car-Guide.com is delighted to announce the winner of the Greenest Manufacturer of the Year Award. This goes to the manufacturer who in its opinion has made the biggest impact in bringing lower emission cars to British car buyers, throughout the course of 2009. Yes, that is BMW, and you can catch a full report at www.green-car-guide.com

Green-Car-Guide.com can also provide you with a vast amount amount of information on the latest green cars on the road.

There are data and reports of test drives to help you when you come to choose your new car.

CO2 'capture' project takes root with carmaker Audi's support

Hello!

Let's start with a positive piece of 'green' news in the fight to mitigate the effects of CO2 emissions. Audi has funded the planting of 36,000 oak trees in Germany to replace a forest wiped out in 2007 by an beetle infestation, The new forest will help as a carbon 'trap', and also provide an environment to encourage bio-diversity.

Audi reports that it will continue to introduce efficiency technologies in its drive to produce low emission cars.It says it already offers 33 car models worldwide with an average CO2 value below 140 g/km, and claims the brand is in the leading position among premium car manufacturers. By 2012 it expects to cut fleet CO2 emissions by a further 20%,

Audi further announces that the A3 1.6 TDI, already said to be the 'cleanest' in the premium sector with CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km, has just become available in a new version which cracks the 100g/km mark throwing-out CO2 emissions of only 99 g/km, corresponding to a fuel consumption of 74.3 mpg. These efficiencies look impressive.

Here's wishing you all a Very Happy and Safe New Year!