UK motorists don’t understand low carbon vehicle choices and have no idea of the carbon footprint of their current vehicle, the latest research suggests.
Commissioned by French car maker Peugeot, a poll of the motoring public suggests that the public are failing to understand the current road tax system, with 20 per cent confused by the C02-weighted VED rates. Perhaps worse, three quarters of the people polled in the survey could not say if they drive a low carbon car or not.
The Peugeot poll also revealed confusion about vehicle technology, with motorists believing low carbon means expensive and complex vehicles running on alternative fuels.
The key, as the French manufacturer explained to a group of MPs in Westminster this week, is that there is no one solution to a low carbon future and it is important that a single technology does not attract too much political attention. The car maker advised the MPs that the greatest benefits will be achieved by supporting a range of different technologies, with one common goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This will help consumers choose the best solution for their own specific needs and budget.
To this end, Peugeot’s own on-road environmental strategy is based around a broad offering of low carbon vehicles, starting with a ‘standard’ diesel powered Peugeot 207, launched in 2009, which emits under 100 g/km of CO2.
For city driving, Peugeot is about to launch a zero tail pipe emission car, the all-electric Peugeot iOn, and then next year will introduce a range of micro-hybrid vehicles with stop & start diesel engines, badged eHDi. In traffic, eHDi reduces emissions and noise pollution when the car is stationary as well as making significant fuel savings.
For longer journeys, Peugeot is launching its HYbrid4 diesel technology next year and this will cut the CO2 emissions of a family size car to 99g/km and provide fuel consumption of 74 mpg. In 2012 this technology will evolve to include "Plug-In" capabilities, dramatically reducing CO2 emissions to 50 g/km and providing economy of 141 mpg, all from a large five seater family car, the Peugeot 3008.
The car maker is also challenging today’s vehicle ownership model by offering a more flexible approach to vehicle use. Through its revolutionary dealer-based ‘Mu’ rental scheme, any customer, Peugeot owner or not, can choose from a range of mobility options, including electric cars, scooters, bicycles, vans or highly efficient compact MPVs for those occasional longer family trips. Importantly, the scheme enables customers to choose the right vehicle for their journey, rather than running an inappropriate type of vehicle most of the time, "just in case".
It is Peugeot’s Jon Goodman, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, explained to the group of MPs in London on Monday (November 22, 2010): "Our research shows that to reduce emissions effectively, we must enable the widest possible customer base to benefit from low-carbon technology. That is only possible though by offering and supporting a range of solutions that address different motoring needs."
"We as manufacturers are striving to introduce relevant, affordable technologies and it is up to all of us, including all opinion formers and those in government, to help consumers make the right choices and give them access to all new technologies."
