Motorists are being warned that all is not what it seems when it comes to buying greener cars following a new report from EcoTest, Europe’s most comprehensive environmental assessment programme for vehicles.
Latest research from the FIA Foundation’s EcoTest published across Europe today (26) reveals the true environmental performance of a range of popular car models. The results show that the motor industry has a long way to go in order to achieve the lowest levels of CO2 emissions, pollutants and optimum fuel economy.
The report also shows that:
- The latest models can have design upgrades, new safety features and changes to the engine which mean higher levels of CO2 emissions or pollutants;
- Some models have performed well on CO2 but their performance has declined in terms of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide;
- On the other hand, many manufacturers are registering an improvement of up to 20 percentage points when both CO2 emissions and pollutants are taken into account.
Pollutant ratings, CO2 emissions levels and fuel consumption figures for the latest models to be tested including the Renault Scenic, the Daihatsu Cuore, the Honda Accord Toure, the Audi A4 and a range of others are available from the FIA Foundation: http://www.makeroadssafe.org/tables.html *
FIA Foundation Director General David Ward said:
“Car buyers shouldn’t have to rely only on manufacturers to tell them the environmental impact of a ‘green’ vehicle. What people need is independently assessed, accurate and up to date information – and they need to know the full picture. There are cases where this year’s model may not be making quite the progress expected. Indeed it’s often the case that when a manufacturer makes design changes, we see a shift in emissions levels. However, consumers need to be told that this is the case, not kept in the dark.”
EcoTest puts cars through a rigorous driving cycle and collects data on the resulting CO2 emissions and pollutants. The test employs tougher measures than those required by the EU.
Notes to Editors
- The June 2008 EcoTest report will be officially launched at a range of simultaneous events across Europe on 26 May. Latest EcoTest results for a range of car models are available at: http://www.makeroadssafe.org/tables.html * note the lower row in white for each model is the most recent test.
- Before EcoTest, the FIA Foundation was instrumental in setting up Europe’s crash testing service Euro NCAP. It also plays a key role on the UN’s traffic safety and vehicle standards working groups.
- EcoTest has been assessing the environmental performance of cars across the European market for the past five years. EcoTest rates cars according to both CO2 and pollutant emissions. An extension of the EU’s official test cycle, EcoTest aims to provide consumers with additional information on which to base car purchase decisions. Testing is run by German auto club ADAC.
- FIA Foundation http://www.fiafoundation.org
Contact:
Avi Silverman FIA Foundation +447967229374