Peugeot presents MPs with vision of a low carbon motoring future

Peugeot yesterday provided MPs with a reality check on public understanding of low carbon vehicles, as well as an insight into the benefits that can be achieved through the take-up of a broad range of low carbon motoring solutions.

Independent research carried out by Com Res for Peugeot shows that almost twenty five per cent of the motoring public doesn’t understand the current emissions-weighted VED system. 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 revealed confusion about vehicle technology, with motorists believing low carbon means expensive and complex vehicles running on alternative fuels.  Drivers clearly do not feel able to make a well informed choice based around their motoring needs.

The key, as Peugeot explained to a group of MPs in Westminster, 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 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 affordable low carbon vehicles, starting witha ‘standard’ diesel powered Peugeot 207, launched in 2009, which emits under 100 g/km of C02.

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.

Peugeot is also challenging today’s vehicle ownership model by encouraging drivers to review how they use and choose their vehicle, particularly those who live and work in cities.

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 belief that there is no single solution to reducing carbon emissions, as Jon Goodman, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, explained to the group of MPs in London yesterday: “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.”