More in

Automotive

End this green dogma

In-Depth

We all have a duty to use resources more efficiently, but taxing top-end cars out of the market is short-sighted politics that could damage the UK economy, says Jim O'Donnell

It is astonishing how quickly the environmental agenda has moved forward. I remember in the early 1990s, when I was sales director, being called to Munich to see forthcoming models. The first questions I would ask are 'What is the power output?' 'What are the 0-60 figures?' 'What is the top speed?' And finally, 'What is the planned price positioning?'

Today it is 'CO

emissions? Fuel consumption? Price positioning?' The performance parameters are now a given with BMW.

The political, social and environmental issues have altered my attitudes and business behaviour enormously. I do not regret this nor rail against it. We all have a duty to use resources more efficiently and it is in the best interests of our planet.

I believe the EU and the UK are trying to take a cohesive approach to emissions standards. We have the overarching EU legislation for CO

emissions, which will come into effect between 2012 and 2015. This, once it has been negotiated, is a clear target for all carmakers and forms the basis for all European product development.

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of premium content. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our premium content, as well as the latest technology news, industry opinion and special reports. 

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address