Our Working Groups

The Working Groups are at the heart of Partnership action on buses, passenger cars, fuels, commercial vehicles and innovation:

Bus Working Group

The Bus Working Group consists of bus manufacturers and operators, design engineering companies, delivery bodies and local authorities. Its role is to develop action programmes to achieve the introduction of low carbon buses in the UK.

The Group's achievements include:

  • Defined a methodology to assess low carbon buses.
  • Developed a road map for introducing low carbon buses in the UK.
  • Input to the DfT Putting Passengers First strategy and review of Local Bus Service Support.
  • Confirmed thee feasibility of a forward commitment procurement for low carbon buses in the UK.

The Group's current work is focused on:

  • Determining the interested parties for a low carbon bus procurement group.
  • Promoting a European low carbon bus specification.

Chair: Bob Bryson (Alexander Dennis)

Passenger Car Working Group

The LowCVP Passenger Car Working Group comprises of vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators, consumer associations, environmental groups and other interested parties.  Its role is to accelerate the introduction of low carbon cars into the UK and to better inform car buyers of the low carbon options available, advises Government on the further development of the EU Voluntary Agreements for passenger cars and focuses on a strategic approach to consumer information (including environmental labelling for vehicles), identifying key messages and opportunities.

The Group's achievements include:

  • Introduction of a voluntary labelling scheme for cars which 91% of car dealerships now employ.
  • Research into car buyers purchasing decisions and the so called "action-attitude" gap.
  • Facilitated the debate on the replacement to the voluntary agreement to reduce CO2 from cars.
  • Developed a strategy for improving green claims in car advertising.
  • Conducted a comprehensive survy into car advertising in the UK.

 The Group's current work is focused on:

  • Reviewing the car fuel economy label.
  • Disseminating what is acceptable practice in green claims for car advertising.
  • Investigation into carbon dioxide emissions from light commercial vehicles.

Chair: Mike Waters (Arval)

Commercial Vehicle Working Group

The Commercial Vehicle Working Group was established in November 2003 to advise on the issue of CO2 emissions from Heavy Commercial Vehicles.

The Group's achievements include:

  • Advised Government on fiscal strategies to promote technologies giving real and useful CO2 emission benefits.
  • Developed a strategy for the determination of CO2 emissions for HGVs to reflect payload issues.
  • Input to the Technology Road Map
  • Proposed to Government a research programme to determine CO2 emissions ranking of alternative power train technologies.

The Group's current work is focused on facilitating a debate with the frieght transport industry as to how best to reduce the carbon footprint of freight transport by road.

Chair:  Currently vacant

Fuels Working Group

The Fuels Working Group focuses on providing analysis and strategic advice on future low carbon fuels, including biofuels and hydrogen.

Members are utilising UK and international studies to develop a common analysis of the short, medium and long-term options and implementation scenarios for the UK's low carbon transport fuels future.

As part of their remit, the group develops advice on a suitable fiscal framework for low carbon fuels and identifies options for research and development.

Chair: Malcolm Watson (UKPIA)

Innovation Working Group

This group provides expertise on research, development, demonstration and supply of low carbon technologies for the automotive sector. Among its specific tasks, the Group gives input to the Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies (CENEX) and identifies demonstration projects which will advance the low carbon automotive agenda.

The Group aims to foster collaborative activity to underpin and strengthen the framework for a strong UK supply chain and research and development capability in low carbon and fuel cell technologies.  The Innovation Working Group has arisen out of the merger of the Supply Chain and R&D Working Groups in May 2005.

The Group's achievements include:

  • Supported the launch of Cenex.
  • Recommended targets for low carbon supply chain to Government.
  • Input to the development of the Low Carbon Transport Innovation Strategy.

The Group's current work is focused on:

  • Developing a programme to engage with investors.
  • Investigating how to support SME new low carbon technology companies.

Chair: Dave Greenwood (Ricardo)

If you want to learn more about the Working Groups or would like to join a group, please contact the LowCVP Secretariat.