With the escalating threats posed by global warming, the automakers, environmentalists and the government have no other viable recourse but push gas-guzzlers off the roads. To replace them, the government will be encouraging the production of green cars.
Additionally, more green cars are expected to be sold this year not only because of the environmental concerns but economy as well. As oil prices continue to peak, dependence on foreign oil has to be curtailed.
Times Online reported: Sales of new cars in the £300-a-year top road tax band fell last year by 15% to the lowest level on record, Sales of low-emission cars in bands A and B, which are either zero-rated for road tax or pay £35, increased by 17%.
The European Commission, meanwhile, has proposed a directive that would mandate manufacturers to slash harmful emissions from 160g/km in 2006 to 130g/km in 2012.
Paul Everitt, the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, has this to say: “We would be setting ourselves to fail if the target was 2012. We believe 2015 is more realistic because it gives us a practical timescale to develop the right mix of cars.” He admitted that manufacturers could do more to inform buyers about cars’ relative emissions levels. Most dealers now display colour-coded labels, similar to those used to indicate the efficiency of fridges and washing machines.
Everitt said that the SMMT was considering introducing advertising guidelines that would make CO2 performance much clearer. But he noted that freedom of choice should be protected. “Manufacturers don’t want to be seen to be dictating to consumers. We can’t get away from the fact that a significant number of people see it as an emotional choice,” Everitt stressed.
“The SMMT figures show people are already changing their car-buying habits and that we should not believe the doom and gloom from car manufacturers about the impact of tough CO2 targets. The market will adapt,” said Stephen Joseph, the director of the Campaign for Better Transport.
Eco-Friendly Top 10
(Sales of low-emission cars, 2007)
1. Peugeot 107 15,333
2. Ford Fiesta 14,784
3. Toyota Aygo 14,172
4. Citroen C1 12,626
5. Peugeot 207 11,830
6. Toyota Prius 8,755
7. Renault Clio 5,230
8. Toyota Yaris 5,173
9. Volkswagen Polo 4,436
10. Mini 4,192
[credit: Times Online]
Additionally, more green cars are expected to be sold this year not only because of the environmental concerns but economy as well. As oil prices continue to peak, dependence on foreign oil has to be curtailed.
Times Online reported: Sales of new cars in the £300-a-year top road tax band fell last year by 15% to the lowest level on record, Sales of low-emission cars in bands A and B, which are either zero-rated for road tax or pay £35, increased by 17%.
The European Commission, meanwhile, has proposed a directive that would mandate manufacturers to slash harmful emissions from 160g/km in 2006 to 130g/km in 2012.
Paul Everitt, the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, has this to say: “We would be setting ourselves to fail if the target was 2012. We believe 2015 is more realistic because it gives us a practical timescale to develop the right mix of cars.” He admitted that manufacturers could do more to inform buyers about cars’ relative emissions levels. Most dealers now display colour-coded labels, similar to those used to indicate the efficiency of fridges and washing machines.
Everitt said that the SMMT was considering introducing advertising guidelines that would make CO2 performance much clearer. But he noted that freedom of choice should be protected. “Manufacturers don’t want to be seen to be dictating to consumers. We can’t get away from the fact that a significant number of people see it as an emotional choice,” Everitt stressed.
“The SMMT figures show people are already changing their car-buying habits and that we should not believe the doom and gloom from car manufacturers about the impact of tough CO2 targets. The market will adapt,” said Stephen Joseph, the director of the Campaign for Better Transport.
Eco-Friendly Top 10
(Sales of low-emission cars, 2007)
1. Peugeot 107 15,333
2. Ford Fiesta 14,784
3. Toyota Aygo 14,172
4. Citroen C1 12,626
5. Peugeot 207 11,830
6. Toyota Prius 8,755
7. Renault Clio 5,230
8. Toyota Yaris 5,173
9. Volkswagen Polo 4,436
10. Mini 4,192
[credit: Times Online]
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