Friday, September 11, 2009
Ministry push for low-carbon cars
The UK must develop the world's leading ultra-low carbon vehicle (LCV) industry, according to Science Minister Lord Drayson.
At the LCV 2009 event, he officially launched the Office for Low-emission Vehicles (OLEV) announced in July.
Rather than a "mere talking shop", Lord Drayson stressed that the office will address both supply and demand concerns that presently limit the industry.
A range of low- and ultra-low carbon vehicles was displayed at the event.
But Lord Drayson made a sharp distinction between the two.
He argued that the UK could gain particular advantage in the development of ultra-low carbon vehicles, such as electric cars, instead of low-carbon cars like combustion/electric hybrids.
He said the UK's focus should be "where [it] has a realistic prospect of being a global leader; and where we possess real competitive advantage".
"In the car industry, I believe that means making a distinction between low-carbon and ultra low-carbon vehicles.
"Our priority must be to make the world's leading ultra-low carbon car industry in the UK."
DATED: 11.09.09
FEED: AW
