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14 Sep 2000
Friends of the Earth welcomed Toyota's news that the Prius - a petrol-electric hybrid car capable of 57.6 mpg - goes on sale today in the UK. The Prius is one of a number of new car designs that will dramatically improve fuel consumption, cut emissions and save drivers money.
The launch is evidence that the Government's fuel tax policies are encouraging car companies to develop more fuel efficient models.
Roger Higman, Senior Transport Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“The petrol-electric hybrid is twice as efficient as an ordinary petrol car - and cleaner too. This launch shows that manufacturers are responding to the Government's fuel tax policy by introducing more efficient cars. If the Government cuts fuel prices now, this response will go unrewarded.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
[1] The average fuel consumption of new cars sold in Britain is 35 mpg and has scarcely changed in the last ten years. As a result, rising traffic levels have led to rising oil consumption and rising emissions of carbon dioxide - the principal cause of dangerous climate change.
But earlier this year, Honda launched its Insight, a petrol-electric hybrid which is capable of 83.1 mpg. It is the most fuel efficient car currently on sale in the UK. The next nine are the MCC Smart City Coupe (83.1 mpg), Volkswagen Lupo 3 door(64.2), Seat Arosa (64.2), Volkswagen Polo Hatch (62.8), Skoda Fabia Hatch (58.9),MCC Smart City Cabrio (58.8), Mercedes Benz A Class (57.7), Fiat Punto (57.6) and Volkswagen Polo Saloon (56.5). Source: VCA web page.
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
Media team
