Britain heading toward low-carbon transport revolution

By Dongying Wang

LONDON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), a leading business organization in Britain, has called for a green motoring revolution to help the country's battered car industry overcome the recession.

The CBI outlined roadmaps called "going the distance" last week, to advance green development in transport, power, buildings and other industrial sectors.

It is the first time that the CBI has set out its vision for a low-carbon economy with a timetable of action to ensure that carbon emissions targets are met, and the measures that will be needed to put Britain in pole position in the development of low-carbon technologies.

"Together these roadmaps show the practical steps that need to be taken from now until 2020 to make sure we meet our climate change targets, secure our energy supply and make the transition to a low-carbon economy," CBI deputy director-general, John Cridland, said.

Britain's CO2 emissions stood at 530 million tons in 2005, accounting for 2 percent of the world total. The country has set an ambitious binding target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050, compared to 1990 figures.

TRANSPORT ROADMAP

In the transport roadmap, the CBI has called for a short-term scrapping scheme that rewards consumers who replace older inefficient cars with newer more efficient models.

The government is also urged to buy a fleet of electric vehicles; motorists are encouraged to switch to a new generation of low rolling resistance tires; and more supply of biofuels is urged at petrol stations.

Standard combustion engine vehicles should be increasingly replaced with a portfolio of technologies, including advanced petrol engines, diesel, hybrids and stop-start engines, according to the roadmap.

"The UK's automotive sector is among the most efficient in the world, and has the capacity to be a serious player in the manufacture of ultra low-carbon vehicles, which will be crucial to reducing our carbon emissions," Cridland said.

"The 250 million pounds the government has pledged for the development of low-carbon vehicles is welcome, but if it were to use its procurement muscle to buy a fleet of electric cars, this would send a strong signal to businesses and investors of its commitment.

"In the meantime, businesses and consumers can also do their bit to reduce emissions through something as *** as changing their driving habits.

"These steps will help bring about a revolution on the road and drive us closer to developing a sustainable and prosperous low-carbon economy," he said.

In 2007, emissions by domestic transport, covering road, rail, aviation and shipping, accounted for 24 percent of Britain's CO2 emissions, or 131 million tonnes, up from 20 percent of its 1990 level.

And the country's CO2 emissions from road transport alone increased by 11 percent between 1990 and 2007, according to the British Department for Transport.

BRITAIN WELCOMES EIB LEADING PACKAGE

Britain has hailed the European Investment Bank (EIB)'s recent announcement of funding for two carmakers in the country, through the European Clean Transport Facility.

Jaguar Land Rover will be granted 340 million pounds (502 million dollars) of loans to help cut vehicle emissions and Nissan will be awarded 370 million pounds (548 million dollars) to make more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Collectively, Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan employ nearly 20,000workers in the country.

The funding is the first to be provided to any carmaker in Britain since the financial crisis began.

These loans are a great piece of news for the British car industry, which is currently suffering a sharp and ongoing slump in demand, Cridland said.

His comments were echoed by David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce.

"This is good news and shows an understanding of the pivotal role that the car industry plays in the UK economy," Frost said, adding that "this is about investing in the future to ensure the UK's automobile sector is at the heart of the development of a new generation of green cars."

The European Clean Transport Facility will provide 4 billion euros (5.34 billion U.S. dollars) from 2009-2010, and 4 billion euros (5.34 U.S. dollars) from 2011-2012 to support investments targeting research development and innovation, particularly at reducing emissions and increasing energy efficiency.

For support through the current economic slowdown, the British Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has encouraged its members to utilize the dedicated funding.

Around 1.7 million cars and commercial vehicles and 3 million engines are produced annually in Britain, accounting for 10 percent of the country's total exports.

The industry has been hit hard by the current economic climate and weak consumer confidence. The EIB funding is expected to bring new hope for the sector, a vital contributor to the British economy.