BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics 2008 World Green Car

At a press conference at the New York International Auto Show today, the BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics was declared the 2008 World Green Car.

The BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics was chosen from an initial entry list of ten (10) contenders nominated by forty-seven (47) World Car jurors from twenty-four (24) countries throughout the world. There are three British and one Irish members on the jury.

The World Car of the Year Awards are intended to reflect today’s auto industry and market trends. In that respect, nothing is more au courant than concern for the environment – hence the creation of this eco-friendly category in 2005.

To be eligible for the 2008 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to available in at least one major market during 2007. The vehicle or the green technology could be in production or an experimental prototype with potential near-future application, provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of ten or more during 2007.

In addition, the candidates had to satisfy one or more of the following "green" criterion:
a. Tailpipe emissions equal to or better than California SULEV or US EPA Tier 2, Bin2, or Euro V regulations, or equivalent.

b. Fuel consumption equal to or lower than 5.0 L/100km (47.6 mpg US ) combined (55% City + 45% Highway) or equivalent.

c. Use of an advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry) aimed specifically at increasing their environmental responsibility (e.g. hybrid).

Jurors felt that BMW’s EfficentDynamics technology, as applied to the 118d, comprises a range of features and improvements with the specific purpose of reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions. Its 143-hp, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, with third-generation common-rail fuel injection, piezo-injectors, and up to 2,000 bar injection pressure is said to reduce fuel consumption by up to eight percent.

Other contributions to fuel savings come from Brake Energy Regeneration (up to 3%), Auto Start Stop Function, which shuts the car off at stops and automatically restarts it (up to 3%), and Electric Steering (up to 3 %). The cumulative effect is a 21-percent reduction in fuel consumption, to 4.5 L/100 km (combined) and a CO2 output of just 119 g/L.

The top three contenders for the third annual World Green Car in addition to the BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics were the Mercedes-Benz Smart fortwo cdi and the Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI. Interestingly all diesel powered models made the final shortlist of three.

“BMW is very excited that the BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics won the World Green Car title,” said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW of North America. “The measures that we’ve implemented within our Efficient Dynamics strategy into every BMW mean that we’re able to provide customers with the driving pleasure they expect from a BMW, while still meeting the stringent requirements for fuel-efficiency and low emissions.”