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The extension
of London’s congestion charge zone will lead to massive growth
in the adoption of cleaner hybrid cars, says Honda (UK).
Sales forecasts predict there will be over 6,500 more
low-emission hybrid cars on London’s roads by 2008 – each taking
advantage of the 100 per cent discount from the congestion
charge. To meet this demand, Honda is trebling supply of its
petrol-electric Civic Hybrid in the UK to 3,000 during 2007.
SMMT figures show that from 2005 to 2006, the percentage of
hybrid cars in London rose from 1.03 per cent to two per cent –
or over 1,100 cars.
Honda’s sales figures confirm the regional growth, with a third
of recent orders for its Hybrid coming from London and the South
East – influenced largely by the impact of congestion charging
on buying habits in and around the capital. Meanwhile, worldwide
sales of Honda hybrids have reached over 185,000.
John Kingston, Environment Manager at Honda (UK) says: “Hybrids
are now mainstream cars. Global demand is increasing and across
the world we are ramping up production to meet that interest.
It’s true that more people want to drive ‘greener’ cars, but
financial incentives such as congestion charge discounts and
lower road tax are also playing their part.”
Public and private sector organisations are also playing their
part in adopting hybrid technology. Last year, in the biggest
hybrid fleet deal to date, the Metropolitan Police ordered 117
Civic Hybrids. Other companies running Honda hybrid cars include
Innocent Drinks and Clearchannel.
Honda will also launch a concept hybrid sports car in March.
Moving beyond the family saloons that make up much of the
current hybrid market, the two-seater coupe demonstrates how
hybrids can be sporty and stylish. Honda has also committed to
producing a global, purpose-built hybrid car that will be
smaller and cheaper than the Civic. This will go on sale in
2009.
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