Source: Environmental Leader

“Although many new-vehicle buyers may want to purchase an environmentally friendly vehicle, just 11% are “very willing” to pay more to do so, according to the J.D. Power and Associates, MarketingCharts reports.”

Source: Thomson Reuters

Honda Motor Co said on Wednesday it would launch a new, low-cost hybrid car in Japan, North America and Europe in early 2009 as it seeks to cut the lead of Toyota Motor Corp in the green car race.

Despite the pressure of record-high oil prices and concerns over climate change, fuel-efficient and low-emission hybrids still occupy a small niche in the global car market, partly due to their higher costs for both consumers and automakers.

Planet Ark

Berlin and Paris have agreed to support a European Commission proposed deal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from new cars. The goal is to limit CO2 emissions from new cars to an average of 120 grams per kilometer from 2012.

Source: Toronto Star

Toronto is looking to penalize those that idle their vehicles unnecessarily with a fine of $100 plus a $25 provincial surcharge.

European car makers are favouring the shift to diesel as the EU urges manufacturers “to get under 130g/km CO2 emissions.” This shift may be a good way to combat climate change, but health concerns related to particulate pollution from diesel engines are on the rise.

United Kingdom – “Buyers of the most fuel-hungry vehicles must pay a showroom tax of nearly £1,000 from 2010 after high-emission cars were targeted in an overhaul of the road tax regime yesterday.”

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders report in Britain, there has been a 13% reduction in average CO2 emissions from new cars since 1997.

To combat climate change, the European Union is proposing a legislation for carmakers to improve engine technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 130 grams per kilometre by 2012. But will this cause conflicts and discrepancies for small and large vehicles?

Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular amongst environmentalists and those that want to do their part for the environment.

Ford has partnered with Southern California Edison to explore this technology. Ford expects the sell of rechargeable electric vehicles to be available in 5 to 10 years.

The EcoAuto program which offers auto buyers rebates ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 on fuel-efficient cars will end after this year, says Ottawa.