 Policy Developments
DfT considering reduction in speed limit on rural roads
The Department for Transport is considering a reduction in the speed limit on most rural roads from 60mph to 50mph as a part of its new road safety strategy. The DfT says that research shows that a lower speed limit could save up to 250 lives a year and cut CO2 emissions.
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Government publishes response to second part of RTFO consultation
The Government will examine the scope for amending the existing RTFO scheme to take into account requirements under the Renewable Energy Directive according to its official response to a consultation on the RTFO which was published during March.
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CBI calls for scrappage scheme to help car industry as controversy continues to rage
The CBI has called on the Government to introduce a scrappage incentive scheme to support the motor industry in the Budget on 22 April. Meanwhile, the House of Commons Business and Enterprise Committee will examine the Government’s Automotive Assistance Programme (AAP) including the proposed scrappage scheme.
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US closes controversial biofuels tax loophole
The United States has closed a loophole allowing foreign-produced biofuels consumed outside the US market to benefit from US subsidies. The controversial policy was ended by a new provision added to US financial bailout legislation.
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Reports & Studies
New car CO2 emissions register largest ever fall in 2008
Average CO2 emissions from new cars sold in the UK fell by 4.2% to 158.0g/km in 2008 according to new figures published by the SMMT, the motor industry trade body. The rate of reduction was three times the pace recorded in 2007.
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International agencies challenge car industry to 50% carbon cut by 2050
Four leading international agencies have announced a global fuel economy initiative (GFEI) which challenges the car industry to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions of 50% by 2050, in line with suggestions made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The initiative was launched at the Geneva Motor Show.
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Climate Change News
Scientists issue dire warning about climate state at Copenhagen summit
2,500 climate scientists from over 70 countries ended a three-day conference in Copenhagen with stark warnings about the state of Earth's climate. In a joint communication, they said that a failure to agree strong carbon reduction targets at political negotiations this year could bring "abrupt or irreversible" shifts in climate that "will be very difficult for contemporary societies to cope with".
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Industry News
Electric vehicle developments move apace; Nissan signs EVs deal in NE
Nissan has signed an agreement with the regional development agency, One North East to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the region. The Nissan development follows a series of other manufacturer and public authority announcements about electric vehicles.
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Shell plans to invest more in biofuels, less on wind, solar and hydro power
Shell says it will cut its investments in renewable technologies such as wind, solar and hydro power but will invest more in biofuels.
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Greener cars in focus at Geneva Motor Show
The Geneva Motor Show, which took place from 5-15 March, featured significant environmental elements despite the economic difficulties now facing the motor industry.
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Technology News
New ultra-fast charging battery on the horizon
The MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) has created a new technology that might make it possible for batteries to be charged in seconds rather then hours. The new batteries will be smaller, lighter and be built principally for mobile phones, laptops and other mobile gadgets could potentially be made available within two to three years.
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Press Release
LowCVP response to the Environmental Audit Committee report on environmental labelling
The LowCVP has responded to the Environmental Audit Committee's new report on environmental labelling which states that "carbon labelling may prove the single most important environmental measure in promoting behavioural change at home, at work and in business".
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LowCVP News
Transport Secretary and London Mayor to speak at LowCVP Conference - June 8, London
The Transport Secretary, Geoff Hoon, and the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson will speak at the LowCVP Conference which will take place at London's City Hall on Monday June 8th. The Conference will form part of a packed day of greener transport events, which will also include the WhatCar? Green Awards and the Revolve Brighton to London Eco-Rally.
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Electric vehicles on the agenda at LowCVP/Praseg event
Renault says that electric vehicles have the potential to cut tank-to-wheel CO2 emissions by 90%; more than any other engine technology. A Renault speaker made the claim at a joint LowCVP/Praseg seminar to discuss the prospects for electric vehicles from a number of key perspectives. The event was held at the House of Commons on 25 March.
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Get your free entry in the new directory of UK low carbon auto businesses and researchers
A new directory of the UK's low carbon automotive products and capabilities is to be published by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). The directory is in the process of being compiled and entries are now sought.
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'Open mic' opportunities at LowCVP Conference - City Hall, 8 June
The LowCVP is offering an 'open mic' opportunity for members and others to speak about issues of interest, concern or opportunity at the Partnership's annual conference at City Hall, London on June 8th. The 'open mic' slots are intended to bring fresh ideas and proposals to the table.
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International Developments
Sweden plans introduction of CO2-based car taxes
The Swedish Government has said it plans to cut taxes on low carbon cars and raise them on others in an attempt to cut carbon dioxide emissions. The plans are included in proposals the Government will present in its energy and climate bill.
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Other News
7.75m for UK Transport Research Centre announced
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the creation of a new national hub for transport research. Transport Minister Andrew Adonis said £7.75m Government funding will go to the Centre to be based at Imperial College and University College, London, and the University of Leeds. The Centre will draw on scientific experts from across the country.
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Events
Autolink 2009 - Automotive Opportunities Event
28th Apr 2009
Autolink 2009 will be the sixth year that the UK’s premier automotive collaboration event will have been held. 2009 will be a particularly significant year because of the current pressures and threats to the automotive industry. Delegate admission is therefore free this year.
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Low Carbon Vehicles 2009
20th May 2009
The two-day Low Carbon Vehicles 2009 conference will cover a wide range of technological approaches to cutting C02 emissions from vehicles. Focussing on advanced IC engines, advanced transmissions, hybrid powertrains and fuel cell developments this conference will help you take a fresh look at the Low Carbon Roadmap.
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EIC Conference - The Carbon Reduction Commitment: Implications for Business
30th Apr 2009
The Environmental Industries Commission in association with the Department for Energy and Climate Change and the Environment Agency is holding an event aimed at the high level examination of the implications of this major new policy which will regulate carbon emissions from 1000s of organisations. Keynote speaker: Joan Ruddock MP, Minister for Climate Change
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LowCVP Member Profile:
Provecta Car Plan Ltd
Provecta Car Plan is an innovative fleet funding provider and our involvement in the low carbon transport agenda is in assisting both individuals and business in being accountable for the vehicles the... more >
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