Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership names its champions at annual awards

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Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership names its champions at annual awards

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Published: 30 January 2013

FROM real-life innovations that have made a difference to the world of hybrid technology to eco-friendly fuels, the LowCVP last night announced the victors of its prestigious Low Carbon Champion Awards.

On its landmark anniversary - ten years since the organisation began promoting low carbon transport - accolades were handed to Toyota, Ford, Transport for London (TfL), Williams Hybrid Power and many more.

Routemaster Bus

Toyota has introduced newcomers including the seven-seat Prius+ and Yaris Hybrid (above), which have the distinction of being the first full hybrids in their market segment in Europe.
LowCVP Managing Director Andy Eastlake said: "These Awards recognise best practice, and outstanding leadership and innovation in cutting carbon from vehicles and fuels from every angle. The judges had a tough time deciding on the category winners as the variety and calibre of the entries was higher than ever, which just reflects how the whole industry is rising to the challenge of low carbon mobility."

Routemaster

On winning the prestigious 'Car and Van Manufacturer of the Year' award, as well as being hailed 'Outstanding Individual in Promoting Low Carbon Transport', Toyota's Managing Director for Europe, Graham Smith, was delighted. "Low carbon, low emission vehicles are important not just for the environment but also for the economy, for UK manufacturing and in reducing the motoring costs of retail and fleet buyers alike. LowCVP has played a central role in delivering these benefits and Toyota has maintained its support throughout."

Coke Truck

Mr Eastlake added: "In a year of outstanding growth in UK car sales, Toyota, the name synonymous with hybrids, has introduced the technology across the widest range of vehicles on the market. 30 per cent of its sales are now of vehicles which produce less than 100g/km of CO2.

"With an impressive increase in its sales and market share, together with a UK CO2 average below 120g/km, this really does show Toyota's strong determination to reduce carbon from cars.

"To reduce our carbon impact, the whole transport industry and every person involved must support the cause. In Graham Smith we have a tireless advocate and champion of the benefits to UK business of a low carbon focus for the industry. Graham's personal commitment and impartial support throughout his career is a model for us all."

Public transport giant Wrightbus claimed the award for heavy-duty vehicles with their work on London's new Routemaster - a costly project which has received much criticism.

One of the judges, Philippa Oldham, Head of Transport and Manufacturing at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: "This year's entrants demonstrate the commitment there is in this sector to shifting our vehicles and fuels towards low carbon. The award winners show that innovation and sustainability are areas that must be invested in by companies in order to succeed."

THE FULL LIST OF LOW CARBON CHAMPIONS:

Outstanding Individual in Promoting Low Carbon Transport: Graham Smith - Managing Director Toyota Motor Europe London Office

Outstanding Achievement in Low Carbon Transport over the last 10 Years: Ford Motor Company and Transport for London

2012 Award for Low Carbon Innovation by an SME: Williams Hybrid Power with Go-Ahead Group and Controlled Power Technologies/Advanced Lead Acid Battery Consortium

2012 Outstanding Low Carbon Publication or Report: International Energy Agency (Technology Roadmap/Policy Pathway)

Low Carbon Car / Van Manufacturer of the Year: Toyota (GB) PLC

Low Carbon Fuel Initiative of the Year: Greenergy Fuels Ltd

Low Carbon Heavy Duty Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year: Wrightbus with Transport for London - Winner

Low Carbon Road Transport Initiative of the Year: Charge Your Car (North) Ltd

Low Carbon Vehicle Operator of the Year: Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd - Winne