Green Cars

Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid concept
The new Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept marks a significant milestone in Toyota’s plan to equip its mainstream European models with full hybrid technology.
Europcar to offer Renault electric vehicles
Renault and Europcar, the Renault Group’s number one short-term rental partner in Europe, have announced an agreement to speed up the implementation of shared innovative solutions as part of Renault’s “Zero-Emission” vehicles programme.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Toyota is unveiling a new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the Frankfurt motor show, signalling further progress towards its ambition of building the ultimate eco-car.

Mercedes-Benz Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID
Shortly after the successful market launch of the S 400 HYBRID, currently the most fuel-efficient luxury-segment saloon with a petrol engine, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the first “three-litre car” in the premium class - the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID - at the 63rd IAA in Frankfurt.

Climatecars continues to grow with Toyota Prius
The new generation full hybrid Toyota Prius has proved again to be the car of choice for Climatecars, an eco-friendly taxi service operating in London. Already a Toyota customer, the company has been operating Prius since they started business in 2007.

Global recognition for Fiat’s sustainability management
Fiat has been recognised as a leader in Sustainability with its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability World and Dow Jones Sustainability STOXX Indexes.

Seat extends ultra-green Ecomotive line-up
Next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show will see a major expansion of SEAT’s ultra-green Ecomotive offering as the Spanish brand debuts low CO2 versions of the recently-revised Altea, Altea XL and Leon.
Funding for new lightweight battery for electric cars
Over £1.3m of funding has been awarded by the Technology Strategy Board to a consortium led by advanced battery manufacturer Axeon, which will develop a new lightweight battery for use in electric small city cars, improving their performance, functionality and range.
Automakers urge action on hydrogen infrastructure
Kia Motors Corporation has joined with other leading global automakers to urge governments, energy companies and other organizations to develop easily accessible and affordable hydrogen infrastructure to ensure the successful introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles into the marketplace.

Next generation stop-start system
Controlled Power Technologies’ development of the world’s first bespoke belt-driven Integrated Starter Generator (B-ISG) to use a conventional 12-volt electrical system, and uniquely capable of starting a 2-litre diesel engine, will be demonstrated at the UK’s annual Low Carbon Vehicle Event

Zytek premium-quality zero emissions family car
A fully engineered, electric version of the Mercedes A-Class has been developed by Zytek in just ten weeks. Designed to demonstrate the capability of the company’s proven, production-ready 55kW E-Drive electric powertrain, the five seat electric family car is said to provide the refinement, quality and driveability expected from a world-class premium brand.

Peugeot to launch new electric vehicle in 2010
Peugeot will introduce at the end of 2010 a new edition to its comprehensive model range, the i0n “zero-emissions” electric vehicle. This vehicle, developed in co-operation with Mitsubishi Motor Company (MMC), is aimed at both retail and fleet customers.
Toyota achieving year-on-year reductions in CO2 emissions
Toyota in Europe is achieving year-on-year reductions in CO2 emissions and continues to step up its use of green energy, according to data released in its 2009 Sustainability Report.
HPI supports new emissions labelling scheme for used cars
HPI welcomes the extension of the CO2, fuel economy labelling scheme to include used cars. As motorists become more aware of the issues surrounding CO2 emissions, it is important for dealers to be able to help consumers make informed choices.
HPI updates CO2 certificate
Motorists are continuing to make greener and more cost-effective choices when purchasing a used vehicle. To help buyers make an informed decision about their next car, HPI updated the CO2 bandings on its CO2 Certificate for used vehicles on 1st May in order to bring the certificate in line with the government colour-coded environmental labels for new vehicles.