Green cars gather pace

THE Low Emission Vehicle Automotive Partnership, a joint initiative between Future Climate Australia (FCA), RACV and EPA Victoria, says the unprecedented focus on environmentally-friendly motoring at this week’s Melbourne International Motor Show (MIMS) is further evidence the Australian car industry is embracing the climate change challenge.

Established in early 2008 to help reduce the greenhouse impact of transport by promoting the uptake of low-emission vehicles, the LEV Partnership’s exhibit at this year’s MIMS aims to promote its greenwheels.com website, which aims to help new car buyers find low-emission models that best suit their needs.

FCA executive director Henry O’Clery said the “green presence” at the 2009 MIMS was indicative of a major step forward in sustainable transport in Australia.

“We’re already seeing a shift at a consumer level with smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles achieving a larger share of the new vehicle sales in Australia,” he said. “It is encouraging to see the Australian automotive industry now taking up the opportunity to improve, as the average greenhouse gas emission rating for new cars sold in Europe is about 159gm/km, while the Australian equivalent is 226gm/km.

“So we still have a long way to go, but now, with the greener emphasis at Australian motor shows, and the increasing support of industry, the Victorian government, non-profit bodies and our key stakeholders, RACV and EPA Victoria, we are finally on the right track.” Mr O’Clery said the state government’s recently released Victorian Transport Plan revealed the importance of LEV uptake, and that “the technical knowledge exists to reduce the greenhouse intensity of road vehicles by 30 per cent”.