Europe is expected to miss new clean air targets over the next few years. New T&E analysis finds that the emissions reduction trajectory proposed by the European Commission sets a far too generous emissions budget for 2021-2030. Weaknesses in the Regulation mean that, by 2030, emissions in the Effort Sharing Regulation sectors would not be cut by -40%, as envisaged by Fit for 55, but by a … [Read more...]
Green label guide for new car buyers
A survey commissioned by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership and the National Franchised Dealers Association found that motorists considering a new car are now more concerned about ‘going green’ – with 50% saying that environmental friendliness has become more important to them in the last year. In the same survey, despite today’s record low fuel prices, almost as many (43%) potential … [Read more...]
UNESCO sites in green-zones across Europe
The Green-Zones portal has identified the European environmental zones which are also worth a visit because of their cultural monuments, their historical sites or simply as an insider tip. The Old Town of Lyon, which is a UNESCO cultural heritage site thanks to its many winding streets and the Renaissance district, and the area around the Freedom Square in the “capital of mustard” Dijon, are … [Read more...]
E-scooters offer real environmental benefits
Ground-breaking research from Cenex found that moving to electric scooters and mopeds from petrol equivalents significantly lowers energy use and emissions. Cenex’s first study of its type, the report shows that electric scooters use 72–91% less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70–90% compared to a 250cc scooter of similar specifications. Electric cars typically use 50–70% less … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 November
Commuters face three weeks of travel chaos on Wales' rail network just weeks after it was taken over by Welsh Government's Transport for Wales. The effect of storms on ageing trains means an "unprecedented" third of the fleet of 127 are damaged, so many will not run or be replaced by buses and Transport for Wales said they are trying to "share the pain" by diverting trains from quieter to more … [Read more...]
Car makers concerns over new tailpipe-targets
Car makers are worried about EU imposed emissions and electrification targets and the prospect of random on-road tests being conducted at any time, writes Robin Roberts. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has voiced its serious concerns about the outcome of the European Parliament’s plenary vote on future CO2 reduction targets for cars and vans. “We remain particularly … [Read more...]
Tradelines 12 September
Ford will show a new 2-tonne Transit with 48V mild hybrid powertrain at next week’s Hannover CV show. It will also reveal a PHEV Transit Custom due to launch in 2019 and the latest telematics and data services to be fitted in next year's models. Lex Autolease, the UK’s leading vehicle leasing provider, is launching a new fund to offer contributions of £1,000 towards the cost of 1,000 new … [Read more...]
Tradelines 1 August
Canada, the European Union, Japan, Mexico and South Korea met in Geneva to discuss how to respond to threats by US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on U.S. imports of autos and car parts. It was not immediately clear what kind of response the countries could be looking at, but they may impose their own tariffs or fight the United States at the World Trade Organisation. Tesla is in … [Read more...]
Welsh Government loses clean air case
Welsh Government has failed people and not implemented EU law on air quality, a judge has ruled. Now it must come up with a clean air plan by May and implement it through councils before August. This is likely to lead to rapid introduction of vehicle restrictions on some roads where measured pollution is above safe limits. Parts of South Wales are known to be above limits and the court … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 July
Škoda is upgrading the smallest member of its model range. The Škoda Citigo is being relaunched with three or five doors and many new design, technology and equipment features from £8,635 to £11,590. The EC is attempting to block further scrutiny of environmental issues, say clean air campaigners. The European Environmental Bureau say it is a shameless attempt by the EC to avoid public … [Read more...]