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Government determined to make UK leader in low-carbon vehicle usage
Page 13
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By Ian Tonkin
• .
THE GOVERNMENT is committed to turning the UK into the global leader in low-carbon vehicle production and usage, says Lord Drayson, the minister for business, innovation and skills.
Speaking at the Low Carbon Vehicle 2009 event, which was held at Millbrook Proving Grounds, Beds, last week, Lord Drayson said: "It is our duty to allow customers to dip into the [green technology] market without burdening them with major costs. There is a clear role for the government here to provide subsidies, infrastructure and market certainty." While this statement offers encouragement for the development of future green technology, several prominent industry players have voiced their concerns over the government's track
record with the 'green agenda' thus far. Fm example, Mercedes-Benz believes that the slow take-up of low-carbon vans and trucks it down to limited incentivisation and a lack ol focus on the government's part on staying with one alternative technology.
A Mercedes spokesman says: "Three or four years ago, LPG looked quite attractive it wa5 half the price of petrol and the Powershift grant meant users could offset 70% of the conversion cost through the government-funded scheme.
"I lowever, following an increased levy on LPG and the abolition of the Povvershift grant LPG was no longer a viable option, which therefore, stifled any further development."
Vanessa Guyll, technical specialist for fuels environment and safety at the AA, says: "It is unlikely the UK will be adopting just one fuel, and although a lot of work is going into the development of alternatives, it is still difficult to identify an obvious replacement for these fuels."
• Turn to page 32 for CM's LPG vs petrol vs diesel showdown.