Ex-Shell CEO calls for ban on sub-35 mpg cars
Mon 04 February 2008
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The former head of Royal Dutch Shell has urged the European Union to ban all vehicles that achieve a fuel efficiency of less than 35 mpg. Sir Mark Moody-Stuart says it is the only way to significantly address global climate change and force the car industry to build more efficient vehicles.
Sir Mark, now the chairman of the United Nations' Foundation for the Global Compact, says an outright ban is needed because so-called "gas-guzzler" taxes do not work and are not fair because they let those with the means to pay them skirt responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Sir Mark told the BBC: 'Nobody needs a car that does 10-15mpg. We need tough regulations saying that you can't drive or build something below a certain standard. You would be allowed to drive an Aston Martin - but only if it did 50-60mpg.' Sir Mark is also seeking very tough efficiency standards in other sectors, such as buildings and lighting.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said Sir Mark's call was not helpful. "This is a really bizarre proposal. If we are trying to reduce emissions, it should not be confused by using other measurements. Our priority is to reduce, which will have the knock-on effect of improving engine efficiencies," the Society’s spokesperson said.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport said the Government is working to negotiate compulsory long-term targets to cut emissions from new cars: "Emissions and miles per gallon are both related, but emissions are a more direct indicator of environmental performance, used across Europe and wider. Therefore, that is what we work with."
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