29 August 2008 - The lack of progress by the car industry on fuel efficiency is highlighted in a new advertising campaign launched by Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE) and Transport and Environment (T&E).[1] The two environmental groups are calling on MEPs to vote for fuel efficiency targets (120g CO2/km by 2012 and 80g CO2/km by 2020).

The adverts show the 1948 and 2008 models of the Volkswagen Beetle which, despite sixty years of advances in automobile design, share the same level of fuel efficiency. The post-war Beetle used 7.5 litres per 100 km driven.[2] The 2008 Beetle 'Luna' 1.6 Petrol uses the same.[3]

On 1 September FoEE also installed a big print of the advert together with an old and new Beetle car on Place de Luxembourg, in front of the European Parliament in Brussels. Smaller posters were also put up around the area, to increase visibility and make sure all MEPs could see them.

An old and new VW Beetle - separated by 60 years of innovation but with the same fuel consumption. (Photo credit: Lode Saidane/FoE Europe)

Kerstin Meyer of T&E states: "For the last six decades, carmakers have been innovative in everything but fuel efficiency. And they have failed to notice that times have changed. We need fuel efficient cars that minimise impacts on the environment."

"If new cars were twice as efficient as they are today, we'd be on the right track. It's up to MEPs to set the targets, and to Europe's top automotive talent to produce the goods," she adds.

A website - www.forlesspollutingcars.com - has been launched where people can ask MEPs to support car fuel efficiency and read more about the EU's proposals.

Click here to view the ad in pdf.

Click here to view the flyer for the European Parliament in pdf.