Policy Developments

MEPs call for higher carbon savings from biofuels

The European Parliament's Environment Committee has given its backing to the Committee rapporteur's proposal that biofuels should deliver greater greenhouse gas savings than are currently proposed by the European Commission.

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TfL announces £1m challenge to cut CO2 from taxi fleet

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has announced £1m funding to support the demonstration of low carbon technology in London's taxi fleet. Transport for London (TfL) and Cenex, who are jointly funding the sceme, are inviting manufacturers to put forward proposals for the trial of low carbon taxi technologies.

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Van makers under pressure to publish CO2 figures

Van makers are working with the Department for Transport to produce CO2 emissions figures for commercial vehicles in an effort to help fleet managers improve the environmental performance of their operations. While it has been an obligation of van makers to produce CO2 figures for the vehicles they sell since January 2008, they are not legally obliged to publish them.

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Government amends guidelines on car advertising as EC looks to strengthen laws

The Department for Transport has changed its guidance on car advertising following a review of its recommendations on CO2 emissions in promotional information. Car adverts on billboards and in magazines must now have CO2 emissions prominently displayed. The change comes following the threat of legal action by the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s and Friends of the Earth concerning the interpretation of a European Directive.

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EU 'Cars and CO2' regulation - 2020 target proposed as Italy opposes Franco-German 'deal' on emissions

Pressure for a regulated 2020 average new car target of around 100g/km is growing in Europe following reports of an agreement between Germany and France which will weaken the targets proposed for 2012. Meanwhile, the European Parliament's Transport Committee has voted down proposals to reduce financial penalties for failure to meet the regulatory targets.

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MEPs favour earlier clean vehicle procurement plans

The European Parliament’s Environment Committee has proposed the bringing forward of plans to ensure compulsory clean and efficient procurement of public transport fleets and utility vehicles in Europe.

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Reports & Studies

Car buyers confused about fuel economy measures say US researchers

Expressing a vehicle's fuel efficiency in terms of 'gallons per mile' rather than 'miles per gallon' would help consumers make better decisions about which car to purchase and about environmental impacts according to new research from a US university.

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Oxfam condemns biofuel promotion policies in new report

Current biofuel policies are not contributing to climate or fuel security but are instead adding to food insecurity and price inflation according to the international development agency, Oxfam.

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Energy Saving Trust report provides roadmap to a low carbon lifestyle

A new report from the Energy Saving Trust sets out a practical, down-to-earth vision of how the Government's carbon emissions reduction targets can be met. The EST says that people do not need to adopt austere lifestyles, or make unpleasant personal sacrifices; in fact, a low carbon lifestyle could improve the quality of all our lives.

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Biofuels sustainability label study published

A LowCVP study into the potential for the introduction of a voluntary sustainability label for biofuels has concluded that while there are challenges, the development and operation of a label is feasible. While some demand was shown to exist for such a mechanism, the study concluded that the time is not yet appropriate for its introduction.

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Industry News

Oil prices drive sales of 'gas guzzlers' down as GM announces moves to build fewer big cars

UK registrations of 4x4s and other large vehicles fell sharply in May this year compared with the same month a year before. 4x4 registrations were down 18% while there were increases in sales of smaller cars, according to the latest data reported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Meanwhile, General Motors has announced plans to reconfigure its US operations to produce a higher proportion of smaller cars.

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Honda introduces fuel cell FCX Clarity

Production of the first Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell passenger car has begun at Honda's research and development plant in Japan. A dedicated assembly line for the FCX Clarity has been established at the plant although the cars will largely be hand-assembled in small numbers.

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Ensus signs deal to supply bio-refinery CO2 output to Yara International

The Ensus Group has entered into a long-term partnership agreement with Yara International ASA for the supply of carbon dioxide from Ensus' bioethanol refinery in Teesside to meet Yara's needs in its UK food and beverage businesses.

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Fiat criticised by ASA over advertising messages for low carbon cars

Fiat has become the latest car maker to be criticised by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for making misleading claims in relation to two adverts for low carbon models in the national press. The ASA upheld complaints against Fiat for potentially misleading price claims.

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Russia's Gazprom in moves to develop CNG refuelling network in Europe

Gazprom, Russia's state-controlled gas company, has proposed the establishment of a network of compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations for cars across Europe. The company says that running cars on natural gas could be an effective and significantly cheaper alternative to petrol and diesel for which prices have reached record highs.

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LowCVP News

LowCVP conference to feature international, national and local policy leaders

Delegates attending the LowCVP Conference on 23 July will gain an early insight into environmental transport plans for London under Mayor Boris Johnson. Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor's newly appointed Director of Transport Policy will speak in the opening session of the conference, following Stefan Moser of the European Commission's Environment Directorate and the Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly. Mr Moser, Acting Head of DG-ENV's Clean Air and Transport Unit, speaks for the Directorate with lead responsibility for the EU's 'Cars and CO2' regulatory plans.(For conference booking details including 'early bird' discounts, read the full story and links.)

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LowCVP Conference - 23 July - A few exhibition spaces left!

There are a few exhibition spaces left at the LowCVP conference, which takes place alongside the Motor Show at London Docklands' ExCel Centre on 23 July. Exhibitors will also benefit from a free conference delegate place and information to be included in the delegate pack.

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International Developments

Germany to introduce CO2-based car taxes by 2010

The German Government has anounced plans to introduce a CO2-based car tax system from 2010. The new system will take into account the CO2 emissions of a passenger car, replacing the annual road tax regime which has been based on engine size.

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Latest EU transport sector CO2 data shows emissions up

European emissions of CO2 from transport rose in 2006 despite a fall in overall emissions according to The European Environment Agency. The EEA said that the rise was partly caused by sharp emissions increases in eastern European states.

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Other News

What Car? to hold first ever 'Green Awards'

What Car? the leading car buyer guide is to announce its first ever awards based on environmental criteria at the London Motor Show on 22 July. What Car? says the initiative has been prompted by "overwhelming requests from readers for information on green cars".

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