Volvo launches 'Emissions Equality'

Volvo UK has launched an 'Emissions Equality' movement which hopes to persuade UK car buyers to think "about a car’s complete emissions picture, rather than just CO2 in isolation".

The Chinese owned Swedish company is suggesting the adoption of a classification scheme for new and used cars that details an engine's emissions of nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulates as well as CO2. Unlike carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulates are dangerous to humans.

This information is obtained by Government databases for all cars sold in the UK ever since 2001. Volvo is also releasing an application for phones and computers which aim to give drivers access to this "total emissions information". The classification scheme is similar to the one in the U.S, which gives a score from 1-10 for both a car’s "Greenhouse Gas" and "Air pollution" emissions.

Volvo's campaign comes in the wake of threats by the EU to charge fines of up to £300m on the UK because of poor air quality, in particular London which has the poorest air quality of any major European city.

According to Professor Frank Kelly of Kings College, London there are 4,300 early deaths in London every year, and 50,000 across the UK, as a result of air pollution, of which 70% comes from road transport. Professor Kelly says that the lungs of children in inner city areas are particularly vulnerable to roadside particulate pollution, which is generated almost entirely by diesel traffic.

Donto P1 preview

Argentina-based Donto Motor Company has released some preview drawings of the P1 a lightweight 2-seater sportscar inspired by the KTM X-Bow which could enter a limited series production.

The P1 is a project of a two-seater sportscar currently under development by Argentinan Donto Motor Company.

With a projected weight of 700 kg, the P1 would compete in the same market niche as the KTM X-Bow and the Ariel Atom.

The development team includes driver Laureano Campanera, chassis designer Héctor Pérez and designer Lucas López.

The car is currently under testing and the prototypes are adopting a 180 hp VW turbocharged 1.8 liter unit.

The Donto P1 is expected to enter a limited series production, and could be sold in Europe as well as other international markets. The estimated price is about $55,000.

(Source: Autoblog.it via Autoblog.com.ar)