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!

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.