xcel
03-31-2007, 05:19 PM
Sweden’s Volvo criticized the government's proposal, saying it will favor makers of smaller cars because those typically are more fuel efficient. Dahh :confused: (http://www.examiner.com/a-645916~Swedish_government_to_offer_cash_reward_to_green_car_buyers.html)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2007_Volvo_S40_-_E85_capable.jpgLouise Nordstrom - AP - Mar. 30, 2007
The Volvo S40 is available as an environmentally optimized FlexiFuel architecture.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Swedes who buy an environmentally friendly car will get a $1,400 cash award from the government, the environment minister said Thursday.
The offer, starting next month and lasting through 2009, is part of the government's push to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
"The environmental advantages should be felt in the heart, but also in the wallet," Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren said.
The government expects the move to spur the sale of so-called green cars by 10-15 percent. Those cars include gasoline-driven vehicles that release less than 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, electrical cars and vehicles running on alternative fuels.
As of 2012, the European Union plans to lower emissions limits for new cars to 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
Sweden-based carmaker Volvo, which is owned by Ford Motor Co., criticized the government's proposal, saying it will favor makers of smaller cars because those typically are more fuel efficient.
"It's up to them to reach the requirements that have been set globally. But yes, small cars isn't really their market," government spokesman Tomas Uddin said about Volvo's concerns.
Carlgren said the government will earmark around $36 million for the project, which needs lawmakers' approval.
In February, the EU proposed its 2012 plan of lower emissions limits for new cars, but it also called for increased use of biofuels and cleaner fossil fuels, meant to reduce current car emission levels by 25 percent - even lower than the 130 gram limit. Voluntary emission targets that are already in place call for 140 grams per kilometer by 2008.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2007_Volvo_S40_-_E85_capable.jpgLouise Nordstrom - AP - Mar. 30, 2007
The Volvo S40 is available as an environmentally optimized FlexiFuel architecture.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Swedes who buy an environmentally friendly car will get a $1,400 cash award from the government, the environment minister said Thursday.
The offer, starting next month and lasting through 2009, is part of the government's push to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
"The environmental advantages should be felt in the heart, but also in the wallet," Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren said.
The government expects the move to spur the sale of so-called green cars by 10-15 percent. Those cars include gasoline-driven vehicles that release less than 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, electrical cars and vehicles running on alternative fuels.
As of 2012, the European Union plans to lower emissions limits for new cars to 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
Sweden-based carmaker Volvo, which is owned by Ford Motor Co., criticized the government's proposal, saying it will favor makers of smaller cars because those typically are more fuel efficient.
"It's up to them to reach the requirements that have been set globally. But yes, small cars isn't really their market," government spokesman Tomas Uddin said about Volvo's concerns.
Carlgren said the government will earmark around $36 million for the project, which needs lawmakers' approval.
In February, the EU proposed its 2012 plan of lower emissions limits for new cars, but it also called for increased use of biofuels and cleaner fossil fuels, meant to reduce current car emission levels by 25 percent - even lower than the 130 gram limit. Voluntary emission targets that are already in place call for 140 grams per kilometer by 2008.