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!