Mazda to be awarded for outstanding innovative in-depth study to achieve cleaner diesel engine exhaust emissions

In May,the Mazda Motor Corporation will be given the prestigious 'Outstanding Technical Paper  Award 2008' by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan for its research into the combustion process of catalysts in particulate filters to cut down still further the amount of 

emissions,particularly soot, released into the atmosphere.

Mazda will soon be applying its analytical methods to improve car performance, and reduce CO2 emissions.

For current Mazda models you should go to the Mazda website. You can also find a review of the Mazda 6 which went on sale in the UK in January at the Green Car Guide. Though a much improved model on performance,there is probably still more to be done in the 'green' sense.

Lowest Average CO2 emissions that's Fiat

According to a recent analysis by JATO Dynamics, automotive specialists, Fiat has the lowest average average CO2 emissions among the 10 best-selling car manufacturers in Europe for vehicles sold in 2007.

The top brands ranked as follows:

Fiat  137.3 g/km

Peugeot 141.9 g/km

Citroen 142.2 g/km

Renault 146.4 g/km

Toyota  148.8 g/km

Ford   149.1 g/km

Opel/Vauxhall  152.9 g/km

Volkswagen   161.7 g/km

BMW 176.7 g/km

Mercedes-Benz 188.4 g/km

This survey shows that manufacturers are committed to finding innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions.

By 2009, Fiat expects all its engines will meet European standards for emissions. It is reported that the Fiat 500 (shown above) and the Fiat Bravo are already Euro 5-ready

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion achieves 740 miles on one tank of diesel

The Volkswagen Polo represents what can be achieved in the struggle to reduce carbon emissions. It has a 1.4-litre diesel engine but, by a series of small adjustments ,VW have produced a high fuel performance (74.3 mpg) and low, 99 g/km, CO2 emissions. Aerodynamics,engine and gear 'tweaks', low resistance tyres and special light weight wheels,help to coax the Polo Blue Motion to achieve the parsimonious fuel consumption.

This Polo is a classic example of what can been done in small steps to develop an efficient and environmentally-friendly car. The Norwich Council is so taken with it, its ordered 50 of them. 

For free details of other green cars, go to the Green Car Guide website by clicking here.

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)

From 15th April, the RTFO comes into operation. So what does it mean?

Green Car Guide reports :

"The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) requires 2.5% of all road fuels sold to come from biofuels ,rising to 5% by 2010. It's claimed that this will save 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2010 and is part of a package of measures being taken to reduce the impact of transport on the environment- although some critics claim that biofuels cause more harm than good, and so a review into biofuels is also underway."

At low emission cars , we feel that all reasonable steps, however small, in the fight to reduce CO2 emissions are worthwhile. Biofuels is just one part in the overall solution. The debate on the sustainability issues is very important and must continue, and the balance in the economic use of crops (fuel versus food) carefully weighed.

Copyright (c) 2006-2008. CFM(Services)Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Ford help take some of the heck out of check for tyre safety and to reduce CO2 emissions  

Ford can now provide an automatic system that checks to ensure your car tyres have not deflated. The tyre pressure monitoring system  works while the car is in motion, and alerts the driver with an alarm and visual instrument warning, if the pressure in one tyre or more needs attention.

Ford are at pains to say that though their system provides an effective warning system it does not replace the need for regular driver pressure checks.

It may, however, critically detect a weakness or puncture which would not otherwise have been spotted.

The Deflation Detection System (DDS) uses the same sensors as the anti-lock brake and stability systems. Ford customers are currently able to specify DDS for the Focus and Kuga. 

Another type of system, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is available for the Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy. This system works with sensors in each of the wheels to measure any loss of pressure.

Obviously, this is a huge safety feature. It is also an excellent way, through constant monitoring and action , to ensure pressures are always at a level to maximise fuel performance and,therefore, keep CO2 emissions to a minimum, for the type of car being driven. 

72% of UK companies surveyed recently agree with you that switching to greener cars will not cost more

At least, if you have been following these pages for a little while ,you will now probably agree that switching to lower carbon emitting cars does not cost more and can actually be a significant money saver. A recent influential report from the Energy Saving Trust reckons that UK companies could save up to £3billion a year if they switched their fleets to cars in the sub-120g/km of CO2 emissions class to take advantage of the tax breaks and improved fuel consumption.

The EST , from their sample survey of 400 board-level executives, report's that probably 28% of UK companies believe that such a switch would cost money (by deduction I arrive at the headline 72%- Ed).

For a report of the breakdown of the £3billion figure you can go to the Green Car Guide web page

If you would like to speak to a green fleet expert you can call the EST hotline now

at 045 602 1425 or go for further free information to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/fleet

Another excellent reason to go to the Green Car Guide website is to register for
Live!2008 Green Motor Show for a not to be missed opportunity,both for the business owner looking to reduce costs and the private car owner, to see 'up close'the very latest green vehicles on the market.

Copyright (c) 2008.CFM (Services) Limited.All rights reserved.
For Terms and Conditions of Use click on October 2006 post above right in archives.

 The sub-120 g/km club for low emission cars just got bigger again with the Suzuki Swift

Suzuki are driving down costs for drivers of their Suzuki models. With the 1.3-litre DDiS model of the Swift,the CO2 emissions are now lower,and the total running cost is lower,too. At 119g/km of CO2 this car rates for a saving of £80 on the road tax, and from late October this year will qualify for London Congestion Charge exemption, which for a driving commuter means a probable saving of £2,000 per annum.

Engine performance delivers 61.4 mpg in the combined cycle. The attractive Swift comprehensive spec comes as standard: radio/CD player, remote central locking and immobiliser, electric windows,electric and heated door mirrors,steering-wheel mounted audio controls and tinted. The 1.3 DDis also provides air conditioning,alloy wheels,front fog lamps and key less entry and start. Impressive,but to be fair, you would expect most if not all these items when shopping for a current supermini. So do check them out before you buy.

And there's the safety consideration also. The Swift has collected impressive awards from Euro NCAP for occupant,child and pedestrian protection.

NFU 100 not-out champions new low-emission Peugeot 308

The National Farmers Union (NFU),which is celebrating its 100th birthday, has taken delivery of a plant-powered 5-door S HDi 90 Peugeot 308. Using a 30% blend of biodiesel (B30)produced from British oil seed rape and used cooking oil,the NFU' s 308 has achieved CO2 emissions below 100g/km.

As part of the NFU's backing for biofuels, the trial car is to be driven around the country on business to farming communities by chief renewable energy adviser Jonathan Scurlock who says,"Biofuels can be made from a variety of plant material such as vegetable oils,wheat and sugar beat, and can greatly reduce carbon emissions while meeting practicable environmental standards of production." In this way, he sees farmers and growers are already making a vital contribution to reducing climate change,"while at the same time ensuring UK food security by providing fresh,quality produce,"he says.

Using the B30 fuel , while reducing carbon emissions, does not effect car performance, according to Peugeot Managing Director,Pierre Louis Colin.

Peugeot report that all its HDi models made since 1998 can run without modification on a 30% blend of biodiesel with the mineral diesel ,known as B30.

Though there is currently a limited number of forecourts selling the B30 biodiesel , more biofuel processing plants are under construction on Teeside,Humberside and in Norfolk.

For more information on renewable energy options for cars, and details of many of the environmentally-friendly cars currently available to buy in the UK you should visit the
Green Car Guide