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!

CO2 EMISSIONS TUMBLE TO 99 g/km IN NEW AUDI A3 TDI

The people at Audi tell me that aerodynamic measures and optimised TDI unit combine to deliver even more exceptional economy and emissions figures

• New ultra-economical, ultra-low CO₂ version of A3 1.6 TDI significantly undercuts the original 1.9 TDIe on emissions and boosts economy thanks to advanced common rail fuel injection, start-stop and recuperation, combined with aerodynamic modifications
• Available in three-door form with five-speed manual transmission only, and in Standard trim only, priced at £18,005 OTR
• Turbocharged diesel features high pressure common rail injection and delivers up to 74.3mpg with CO₂ output of 99g/km (0-62mph in 11.4 seconds, top speed 121mph)
• Revised final drive ratio, low rolling resistance tyres, slightly lowered ride height and modified under-body aid streamlining for optimum efficiency

A new, ultra-efficient version of the Audi A3 1.6 TDI - already the most economical premium sector car with the lowest CO₂ output - is available to order from this week, extending the compact hatchback’s lead by paring back CO₂ output even further to just 99g/km and boosting combined economy to up to 74.3mpg. This exceptional frugality is available in one specific A3 configuration – the three-door body style equipped to Standard specification – priced at £18,005 OTR. All other variations of the 1.6 TDI continue to offer the class-leading combination of 68.9mpg potential and 109g/km CO₂ output.

Small but significant alterations combine with existing A3 1.6 TDI features including engine start-stop and energy recuperation systems. The key elements responsible for the efficiency gains in the most focused 1.6 TDI to date include a modified final drive ratio for the standard five-speed manual transmission, a reduced ride height, under-body revisions to reduce aerodynamic drag and the use of slightly smaller 15-inch alloy wheels shod with low rolling resistance tyres.The start-stop system conserves fuel by cutting engine power at idle when the clutch pedal is released and the gear lever is in its neutral position, and then restarting when the clutch is depressed, while the recuperation function recycles a proportion of the wasted kinetic energy generated under normal braking and normally dissipated as heat, and stores this temporarily in the battery to reduce engine load when the car subsequently accelerates again.

Despite its remarkable combined economy figure of 74.3mpg and its road tax eliminating 99g/km CO₂ output, the A3 1.6 TDI can draw on the same 105PS power output and 250Nm torque peak as all other versions, and consequently can match them on performance, clearing 62mph from rest in 11.4 seconds and offering the option to continue to 121mph where conditions allow.

The A3 1.6 TDI with 99g output will be available exclusively in Standard specification, which in this specific case includes 15-inch 7-arm design alloy wheels (normally 16-inch 7-arm design), manual air conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows and a Chorus radio with single CD player. Versions equipped to SE, Sport and S line specification, and all Sportback models, continue to offer the class-leading 109g/km output and the potential to cover up to 68.9mpg (except the A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI S tronic with 112g/km output and 65.7mpg).

These efficiency standard bearers are far from the exception to the rule for Audi. The Vorsprung durch Technik brand offers an exceptional range of models that champion the cause, the most notable being the A4 TDIe Saloon with emissions of 120g/km and 61.4mpg capability, the A6 TDIe with 53.3mpg and 139g/km and the TT TDI quattro with 53.3mpg and 139g/km. In 2010, another highlight will be launched in the shape of the all-new A8 luxury saloon, which in 3.0-litre TDI 204PS form will deliver another class best with the potential to cover up to 47.1mpg while emitting just 159g/km of CO₂.

Picture caption
Three radical from Audi - A new, ultra-efficient version of the Audi A3 1.6 TDI is available to order from this week priced at £18,005 OTR, and offering an exceptional combination of 99g/km CO₂ output and 74.3mpg economy potential. This remarkable frugality is available exclusively in the three-door manual version equipped to Standard specification.

Audi UK report it has enjoyed an exceptionally rapid rise to prominence in the premium sector. In 2000 just over 43,000 Audi models found homes in the UK, and from that point until 2008 the brand has broken annual sales records year-on-year, successfully passing the milestone 100,000 sales mark in 2007. Despite the market turmoil of 2008, Audi ended the year with a record 4.7% market share from 100,845 sales. The brand continues to maintain a steady trajectory by extending its reach into important new segments with strong offerings such as the A3 Cabriolet, A5 Cabriolet, Q5, RS 6 and R8, and by bolstering its appeal to its existing customer base with core models like the all-new A4 and A4 Avant.

May I wish you all you wish for a Happy and Safe driving New Year! Come back soon in 2010!

THE NEW LOW CO2 CITROËN VISIODRIVE

The new C3 is a smart, sophisticated, low CO₂ and unique 5-door supermini, designed for the modern family, and is expected to be on sale from 15^th January 2010.

It boasts contemporary and dynamic styling, a sleek profile, refined quality throughout and a massive panoramic ‘Zenith’ windscreen. Citroen believe this car sets a new benchmark in the B-segment - and is a bold reinvention of its popular predecessor, which sold more than 2 million units worldwide.

With a focus on four main areas - STYLE, QUALITY, SPACE and EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE - Citroën’s design team have created one of the most appealing and rewarding models to own in its class.

Just one of the stand-out design features of this new car is the vast and flowing glass windscreen. The new C3 also offers one of the most spacious cabin environments and a class-leading 300-litres of boot space. New C3’s intelligent architecture maximizes the use of space and provides generous amounts of room for all occupants and ensures exceptional driver and passenger comfort .
On the road, new C3 combines refined performance with a smooth ride and nimble handling. The designers’ focus on the control of weight and optimising aerodynamics means the new C3 is one of Citroën’s most CO₂-efficient models. A Special Edition Airdream+ with just 99g/km of CO₂ will be available to order from launch.

To further promote money-saving greener driving, most versions feature a Gear Efficiency Indicator (GEI), which alerts the driver at the optimum moment to change gear - helping them to minimise fuel consumption.

Citroen announce that The ‘on-sale’ date in the UK is 15th January 2010 and prices (including VAT @ 17.5%), start at just £10,790 for the entry-level 1.1i 8V 61hp VT petrol, rising to £16,140 for the range-topping 1.6HDi 110hp 6-speed manual Exclusive. At the heart of the range and offering an excellent balance of value and equipment, VTR+ models start at £12,690 for the petrol versions and £13,790 for the HDi-powered equivalent. For further news follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/citroen

The Green Car Guide's 10 top websites relating to green cars

I am pleased to bring you a fund of websites courtesy of green-car-guide.com that will interest and inform you:

1 Car CO2 emissions data

Find CO2 emissions and mpg data by Vehicle Make or Model for new or used cars at VCACarFuelData.org.uk, the official UK source for Car Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Emissions Figures.

www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd search facility also provides CO2 data for all cars registered since January 1997.

www.smmtco2.co.uk/co2search2.asp

2 Road tax rates

Road tax rates keep changing - it's difficult to keep up with it all. Road tax is also getting more expensive, so it's pretty important to make sure you know the rates for your car. See road tax rates at:

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012524

And remember you can tax your car quickly online at http://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/ - saving all the pain of queuing at the local post office (if you can find one) - taxing your car online is surely one of the most useful things the government has introduced!

3 Compare emissions between different modes of travel

Travelfootprint compares the lifecycle environmental impacts of the main methods of passenger travel in the UK. It also allows a detailed emissions comparison of cars available since 2001.

http://www.travelfootprint.org

4 London Congestion Charge and LEZ

All about the London Congestion Charge, where the area is, and how much it costs, as well as other features such as a Journey Planner:

www.tfl.gov.uk

And Congestion Charge exemptions:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/congestioncharging/6713.aspx

5 Electric car recharging points

Electric recharging points in London including a map showing all the public-access recharge points in the capital.

www.newride.org.uk

6 LPG

All about LPG, how to convert your vehicle, and the official list of refuelling stations around the UK

http://www.boostlpg.co.uk

7 Biodiesel Filing Stations

Places in the UK where people can fill their diesel vehicle with biodiesel

http://www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk

8 Car Clubs

Pay-as-you-go-cars

http://www.carclubs.org.uk

9 Car share

Find someone to car share with

https://www.liftshare.com/uk

10 Climate change: the facts

Facts and official information on climate change, what you can do, what government is doing, what business is doing

www.direct.gov.uk/actonco2

And three other sites you may find interesting...

Organic Home

Organic products

http://www.theorganichome.co.uk

Driving School Directory

The UK's First Driving School Directory & Comparison Site

www.search2drive.com

Ashton Hayes Going Carbon Neutral

Aiming to become England's first carbon neutral village

http://www.goingcarbonneutral.co.uk

You can obtain more information about green cars at www.green-car-guide.com

For Your Low CO2 Emissions Options Look At The Electric Car Guide


I know. You would love to buy a low emitting but stylish and well equipped car next time. But for years we seem to have had little more than concept and speculation about production models that will not burn fossil fuels or our wallets. Well, there is a generation of such cars now being produced. Yes ,there is still a number of eagerly awaited cars that are scheduled for this year and next. And,yes, there are cars available now that warrant more than a second look.

Let the Green Car Guide tell you about one such car, and others:

'The C1 ev'ie is based on a mainstream four-seater hatchback production car and you can buy it now. ECC (the Electric Car Company) takes a brand new Citroen C1, removes the engine, and replaces it with an electric motor and batteries. All the crash test credentials remain, along with the Citroen interior.

The top speed is a good 60 mph; the range is more of an issue at 60-70 miles. The batteries are expected to last around 7 years in normal usage and take about 6-7 hours to charge from a standard socket from empty to full. It's good to drive but expensive at £18,550. See our C1 ev'ie road test.'

There is much more information in the Green Car Guide Electric Car Guide

If electric cars are still not your thing, there are many other low emission cars to choose from why not download, today free of charge, the Green Car Guide

You are but two clicks away from great fr.ee car information. Try it now. Green car Guide

IMPROVED MPG & LOWER CO2 FOR CITROËN’S C3 PICASSO

Citroen claims this to be the the biggest small car on the road. Citroën’s award-winning C3 Picasso, is now even more functional and economical with the availability of a new optional Bluetooth® upgrade and a recent engine improvement that sees the funky MPV deliver sub-120g/km CO2 emissions for just £35 a year road tax.

And there's much more - more connectivity...

further improving C3 Picasso’s already impressive environmental credentials, Citroen says the 1.6HDi 16V 90hp diesel engine has been re-homologated and, in VTR+ & Exclusive trim, now emits just 119g/km of CO2 (down from 125g). Consequently, both of these C3 Picasso models are now classified in VED band C - meaning an annual road tax reduction from £120 to just £35. Even more significantly, these models now deliver an extra 2.7mpg on the combined cycle, bringing the new figure to 62.8mpg.

Also on VTR+ and Exclusive - as part of a new option pack - an integrated Bluetooth® hands-free system has been introduced, so drivers can safely and easily keep in touch when they are on the move. This new option also includes a built-in USB Box and socket, which allows users to connect a portable MP3 player directly to the car’s audio system. Menu navigation and music selection is managed via the steering-mounted and dashboard radio controls, with song titles displayed on the radio screen.

You can follow what goes on in the Citroen camp by going to www.twitter.com/citroenuk

or if you want to research even more widely for your next environmentally friendly car you should go to www.green-car-guide.com

NEW SUB-99g CORSA MODEL IS A WORTHY LOW EMISSION CAR

The most economical Vauxhall model ever will be available to order from January 2010 when the new Corsa ecoFLEX hits the UK market, boasting CO₂ emissions of just 98g/km and a miserly combined fuel consumption of 76.3mpg.

• The New 3-door Corsa ecoFLEX will be available with 98g/km

Power increased by 20PS over existing 105g/km Corsa ecoFLEX

Even 5-door version achieves sub-100g/km emissions

Even in five-door trim, the Corsa ecoFLEX achieves 99g/km and, like the three-door, is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard, which dramatically reduces the most harmful emissions. As a result, Corsa ecoFLEX drivers will benefit from not only the lowest 13 per cent BIK diesel band, but full exemption from VED (Vehicle Excise Duty).

Vauxhall say that to achieve this rare combination of performance and frugality, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s 1.3 CDTi now employs a variable geometry turbocharger which significantly improves both performance and efficiency. To support the higher turbo pressure, the compression ratio has also been reduced from 18.0 to 16.8:1, while the injection system’s calibration has been revised to boost low-end torque and peak power.

Yet incredibly, this parsimony has not dented this Corsa’s driveability. Despite the improvement in fuel consumption and emissions, the ecoFLEX packs 21 per cent more power from its 1.3 CDTi turbodiesel engine, its output rising from 75 to 95PS. Torque is also up by 20Nm to 190Nm available at just 1750rpm, allowing drivers the kind of flexibility normally vacant in eco-class cars.

As a result, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s performance is enhanced further, despite using taller gearing. It will now accelerate from 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 110mph.

Using the chassis and aerodynamic modifications from the current Corsa 105g/km model, the new ecoFLEX also benefits from a 20mm lower ride height than standard and in Life trim gets 175/70 low-rolling resistance tyres on 14-inch steel rims (Club models get 15-inch steel rims with alloys as an option) and aero-optimised wheel trims.

The Corsa ecoFLEX is available in Life and Club trim only. Full pricing will be announced soon.

What's New and Green at the Tokyo Car Show

For the answer to the question: What are the top ten green cars showing at the Tokyo Motor Show currently in session, you should look no further than the Green-Car-Guide. com, now in its fourth year of reporting on what is green and upcoming in the low emission cars scene. The Tokyo Motor Show is proving a wow, as you would expect, and it is showcasing much of what we will be seeing over the next three years or so in efficient, well designed, and functional ( and affordable) production cars, for you and for me. So to avoid disappointment, I suggest that you go to the Green-Car-Guide, look for yourself at what is going on. More from me soon. Green Car Guide

Although, the Tokyo has a Japanese influence- surprise, but they are worthy- you can still download for FREE.E the Green Car Guide for all current low emission, and therefore environmentally-friendly, cars available in the UK. This is a limited offer. Do take-it up.

www.green-car-guide.com

low emission cars star at the Frankfurt Motor Show

At the recent motor show held in Frankfurt,while there were the high price motors as usual to drool over, the eco cars were given high billing by many car manufacturers including VW,Peugeot,Audi,Volvo and Citroen. There is an ever growing number of stunning electric cars and electric hybrids being proposed or built. Remember the old joke about the electric car being no better than a milk float. You don't hear that one too much lately. Renault for one,is pinning its future on the change to electric cars,reckoning that within 10 years 10 per cent of its sales will electric vehicles. At Frankfurt, it showed not one but four battery-powered cars for the near future: the Fluence Z.E, the Clio-sized Zoe Z.E for 2012, the Kangoo Z.E van for 2011, and the scooter-priced Twizy Z.E for 2011. Pictured above, these are not some designers' pipe dreams but the future for cars in which Renault is making a huge investment. The plan is for these cars to cost no more to run than their soon to be challenged petrol models in the family.

The much vaunted Vauxhall Ampera hybrid electric car was endorsed by the Labour at its recent Labour Party conference. This model is tipped to maintain many UK jobs in the North West. Even Mercedes showed it did not want to be left out in the race to production of a truly low emission car. Its B-Zero concept is planned for sale in 2011.

Well, that was a little of Frankfurt. Expect some more car revelations when the Tokyo Motor Show opens later this month. To keep in touch with the future in cars do come back here soon. Meanwhile, for green cars available in the UK now ,you can snatch a free copy of the Green Car Guide for a limited period here

Impressively low emission car from BMW 

Now when it comes to a little luxury BMW may spring to mind. But a BMW with very low CO2 emissions? Well,yes. Two new engines were introduced this month. The new BMW 118d Coupe and the 120i Coupe blend performance and economy.

The 118d engine has Coupe form. It powered the 2008 World Green Car of the Year. It has a four-cylinder diesel power plant with third generation common rail diesel technology, and achieves an impressive 119g/km CO2 emissions. With a combined fuel consumption of 62.8 mpg, this is probably the cleanest and greenest coupe currently available on the market. Prices are from £20,500 OTR for the ES model, and £23,375 OTR for the M sport variant.

The 120i though not as green, is powered by a Hams Hall built 1,995 cc engine achieving 42.8mpg on the combined cycle and a recorded 153g/km of CO2 emissions.

A combination of style,performance and economy is offered  by BMW in these two packages.

For details of these and other low CO2 rated cars go to the green car guide  Get your absolutely no obligation FREE copy from the green car guide

Free Fuel Vouchers from Michelin Tyres

Excuse me but how is this an environmentally-friendly thing to do for car drivers? Well, the point is that you probably have to use your car anyway.So, Michelin are encouraging you with a generous offer for a limited time of free fuel if you make a purchase from its range of tyres, including its energy efficient products. In this way, you help to reduce CO2 emissions.

Over to our colleagues at cartravelcare.com to explain :

As petrol prices in the UK go higher , a little help to the beleaguered motorist is offered by Michelin. For the period 1 September to 30th November, certain participating dealers will be offering free fuel vouchers with Michelin tyres. Always a large part of the cost of running a car, fuel is starting to edge-up in price again so Michelin is offering £40 fuel vouchers to buyers buying a set of tyres for car,van or 4X4.

The offer is available through various tyre retailers. For information on participating dealers please see: www.michelin.co.uk

As the world leader in the development of low rolling resistance tyres, this offer will make Michelin tyres even more attractive. Whether you need the low rolling resistance of the Energy Saver or Primacy HP car tyres, the damage resistance and durability of the Agilis van tyre or the comfort of the Latitude Tour HP 4×4 tyre, one thing you can be sure of is that you will be getting some of the longest lasting and greenest tyres on the market.

Note also that the vouchers are redeemable in any Sainsbury’s store, the vouchers can be used to purchase fuel or even the weekly grocery shop.

In the Republic of Ireland the promotion runs from 1 to 30 September and the €40 vouchers are redeemable in Maxol service stations.

NISSAN'S NEW “LEAF” – THE WORLD’S
FIRST ELECTRIC CAR DESIGNED FOR AFFORDABILITY
AND REAL-WORLD REQUIREMENTS


Last week, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements.

Key characteristics of the LEAF include:
1) Zero-emission power train and platform
2) Affordable pricing
3) Distinctive design
4) Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)
5) Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

Scheduled for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, the Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan’s radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.

“Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry.”

Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle. Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.

ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY
Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles.
Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF’s power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of Nissan LEAF’s regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge*. (*US LA4 mode)
Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world’s consumers who drive cars.
And, Nissan’s approach makes charging easy and convenient. Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours – ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike.
REAL-WORLD CAR


CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM
Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data centre, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.
The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power – or “reachable area” – in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.
Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.
“The IT system is a critical advantage,” says Tooru ABE, Chief Product Specialist. “We wanted this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers. We also wanted this vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that possible.”

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Even the smallest details can yield tremendous effect.
Nissan LEAF’s frontal styling is characterised by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, “This car is special”. But the headlights do more than make a statement. They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag. And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume about 50 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.
Through bright trim colours inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment. An environmentally friendly “blue earth” colour theme originates from the Aqua Globe body colour of Nissan LEAF’s introductory model. This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION
Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility; however, Nissan recognises that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come. Because of this, Nissan is implementing its zero-emission vision through a holistic approach, which provides consumers with a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies from which to choose.
For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need. For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet – the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example.
While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions.
As a result, Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in FCV technology.

WORLDWIDE PARTNERS
Zero-emission mobility programmes under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in Japan and the USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide.

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION
Nissan LEAF is the first in the company’s forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realisation of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s vision for zero-emission mobility. The first of Nissan’s EVs will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world.

For more information, please visit the Nissan Zero-Emission website:
http://www.nissan-zeroemission.com

Nissan Go Route One to Electric Cars

Not for them the hybrid, or the low-emission variants of its production cars, Nissan is going straight for the electric car market.
And it could be a serious player in 2011.So what backs this confidence in electric?

Nissan has taken an interesting approach to green cars, says the Green Car Guide The casual observer could be forgiven for thinking that the company is not making any effort to turn its cars green. Nissan does not have any hybrids, or even any super-low emission model variants on the market in the UK at the moment. The company has instead chosen to miss out the intermediate stage of low emission internal combustion engine models, and has gone straight for an all-out electric vehicle.

Green Car Guide has test driven the Evo-02 . For a full report click here now.

In-car green technology can help drivers reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions


Occasionally,through these pages we report on products,though not cars, non-the-less help drivers to drive more efficiently.The eco:Drive is one such product. Last reported here on March 27th 2008

Launched in 2008 by Fiat in conjunction with digital agency AKQA, eco:Drive is a free to use tool that helps motorists to understand the impact of their driving style on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Using a USB memory stick plugged into the car’s Blue&Me port, eco:Drive records information about the vehicle and how it has been driven, which can be regularly uploaded on to a computer. Using this information, the system gives a detailed analysis of the driver’s performance, along with suggestions on how to improve efficiency even further by changing driving habits.

We are delighted to report that eco:Drive, a truly interactive tool and not just an advertising gimmic for Fiat, is doing well, and was recently awarded a top award at the Cannes Lions Awards . For more information on eco:drive click here

GM's progress towards ultra-low emission vehicles

GM’s HydroGen4,reportsthe Green-Car-Guide, represents one of the next steps after the Ampera in GM’s progress towards ultra-low emission vehicles. More than 100 HydroGen4 vehicles are now under test, and Green-Car-Guide has driven one, as the European part of the world’s largest fuel cell vehicle fleet starts operation. For a fascinating and full report on this hydrogen-powered but essentially electric vehicle you can go from here to the Green-Car-Guide website

BMW launch its most fuel efficient car yet:the 316d ES saloon

We don't always associate the luxury saloon market with low CO2 emissions. This month,however, sees the launch of the most fuel efficient and the cleanest 3 Series BMW has ever produced. The 316d saloon's performance is made possible by the incorporation of the award-winning EfficientDynamics technologies.


With just £35 Vehicle Excise Duty to pay and 13 per cent benefit-in-kind ranking,the BMW 316d is powered by a 1,995cc four-cylinder diesel engine that records 62.8mpg on the combined cycle. This class-leading economy figure is enough to give the car a possible range in excess of 800 miles between fill-ups. Factor in its CO2 emissions of just 118g/km and the vehicle becomes the most fuel efficient and cleanest BMW 3 Series ever.

However, every BMW still has to acquit itself in the performance stakes to meet customer expectations. A 116hp output figure and torque of 260Nm from 1,750rpm delivers a zero to 62mph time of 10.9 seconds. When combined with a top speed of 125mph and uncompromised dynamic performance this fulfils the promise of the EfficientDynamics programme. This efficiency comfortably eclipses competitor product from the likes of Audi and Mercedes. Power is transmitted to the road via a six-speed manual gearbox.

The BMW 316d ES Saloon comes as standard with the same specification as the current What Car? Green Car of the Year Executive Car category winner, the BMW 318d ES Saloon. This specification includes air-conditioning, multi-function leather steering wheel, front and rear ISOFIX child seat attachments, front foglights and the complete suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies as standard.

The new BMW 316d Saloon goes on sale in September priced at £23,330 OTR. Further information on this class-leading vehicle can gained at www.bmw.co.uk/bmw316d and for business buyers at www.bmwcorporate.co.uk/316d

Electric cars with a dash of petrol give Vauxhall green drive

There has been a great deal of media coverage lately on an electric future for cars. The UK government is backing the drive to go electric. So ,too,Vauxhall which has been high profile with its electric/petrol car thesoon-to-be commercially produced Ampera scooping What Car's green technology award.

Behind the revolutionary Vauxhall/Opel Ampera Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), to give it its full title,is the Voltec propulsion system.The Ampera is expected to be on sale in Europe late 2011, UK early 2012.

British car magazine What Car? has honoured the Ampera with its inaugural Technology Award, thanks to its innovative and usable approach to green motoring, as well as its ability to overcome the ‘range anxiety’ suffered by users of conventional electric cars.

Unlike a plug-in electric vehicle, Ampera’s E-REV system uses an on-board petrol generator to stop the battery from discharging completely, meaning that as well as a 40-mile electric-only range, the car can be driven much further between recharges. With over 70 per cent of European car journeys being below the Ampera’s electric-only range, the majority of drivers will be able to use it with zero exhaust emissions and no petrol consumption, but with the peace of mind of knowing it is capable of undertaking much longer journeys without recharging if necessary.

For a full report Green-Car-Guide.com

Chevrolet has a spring in its step with the low emissions and insurance costing Matiz

Good news all round with the Chevrolet Matiz. Apart from its low CO2 emissions(119 g/km), and low insurance premiums, this already highly affordable motor attracts the cash-for-scrap incentive.To qualify for the scrappage scheme your existing car must have been registered before 31st August 1999. Chevrolet will apply savings of at least £2,000 across its whole model range.

Chevrolet announce that the entry-level Matiz 0.8 S ( with a fuel performance of 54.3 mpg) comes in at £4,295 on the road, provided your car qualifies for the scrappage allowance. It you would not normally buy a new car,the price and economy of the Matiz may change your mind. For more information, you can click here for the Chevrolet website.
Chevrolet Scrappage Scheme

Reduce CO2 emissions and save money,with Michelin energy-saving tyres


We have been banging-on about the significant benefits to you of fitting energy saving tyres to your car. The following tells of a report prepared by Michelin on savings generated by its most recent car and truck tyre ranges since their launch in 2008.

Green Car Guide : Michelin says tyres consume one tank of fuel out of five for cars and one out of three for trucks. The company says its goal is to design tyres that help to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining the same high performance in the areas of safety and tread life.

These tyres have reduced overall fuel consumption by 65.6 million litres, the equivalent of 1.3 million full tanks of fuel (based on reductions in fuel consumption of 0.2 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 4 grams per km). As a result, they have helped to reduce CO2 emissions by 131,000 tonnes, equal to the amount that would have been produced by 73,000 cars in one year.

The company claims that overall fuel consumption has been reduced by more than 66.7 million litres and CO2 emissions by more than 134,000 tonnes thanks to its latest car and truck tyres, which have been on the market for just a year and a half.
The most recent car tyre developed using this technology is the Michelin Energy Saver, of which 23 million units have been sold since its European launch in early 2008.

Car manufacturers recognised the performance of the Michelin Energy Saver in three areas – fuel savings, safety and longevity. As a result, the tyre has been homologated for use on more than 100 vehicles produced by leading car manufacturers in just over one and a half years on the market. Tyres are generally only certified for use on 20 to 40 vehicles over that period of time.
In May 2008, the Michelin truck division brought out the new Michelin X Energy SaverGreen in a single size – 315/70 R 22.5. Since then, the tyre has reduced overall fuel consumption by 1.1 million litres and CO2 emissions by 3,000 tonnes. The tyre alone can help reduce fuel consumption by 500 litres a year per truck. In addition to fuel savings, the Michelin X Energy SaverGreen was also designed to deliver superior performance in two other areas, exceptional longevity and increased safety.
Since 1992, Michelin has developed four generations of fuel-efficient tyres for cars and three for trucks. They have reduced fuel consumption by more than 11 billion litres and CO2 emissions by more than 28 million tonnes worldwide.

Green Car Guide