Car makers hack price tags for London emissions
Car manufacturers are lining up to make sure van owners meet new rules for London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which come into play from January next year.
Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Volkswagen, Ashwoods, Citroen and Ford have all laid on special discounts and incentives to replace older vans, minibuses and certain other specialist vehicles with cleaner models to conform with Boris Johnson’s plan.
Owners of larger vans, minibuses and certain other specialist vehicles which do not meet the required emissions standards by 3 January 2012, and who drive within Greater London, will be stung with a £100 daily charge or risk a £500 penalty.
The majority of vehicles which drive in London already meet the new standards but the changes in January will quadruple the number of vehicles impacted by the LEZ.
What’s on offer?
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will support van owners by offering a deposit contribution towards finance offers on new vehicles and preferential servicing packages for used vehicles.
Citroen will provide a ‘Go Green & Clean Allowance’ of up to £3,500 towards a new Citroën LCV.
For owners of vans that are 10 years or older, Ford will knock off up to £3,000 for a new Ford Fiesta Van, Ford Transit Connect or Ford Transit.
Mercedes-Benz has reinstated and reinvigorated its van swappage scheme into a complete package. Their efforts focus on product quality and customer service and is based around a weekly payment of £60, allowing operators to swap into a new Mercedes-Benz Vito.
Peugeot are offering a cash-back payment if customers purchase and register a new Peugeot van. For a Bipper, customers receive £500, £750 for a Partner, £1500 for a Expert and £2000 on the Boxer.
Ashwoods Automotive will offer a substantial discount off any Ford Transit, Ford Transit Connect, or Ford Transit minibus fitted with Ashwoods’ proprietary EcoDrive technology, which reduces the vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent. Owners will also receive up to £500 cash-back for trading in their non-compliant vehicle.
Serious issue
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, hailed vans as “the lifeblood” of London.
Announcing the initiatives on Monday, he said: “The vast majority of people who are affected by these new changes have upgraded their vehicles and need not take any action. But for those remaining people I know these are difficult times and that their vehicles are essential for their livelihoods.
“I want to do all I can to help. I have already given extra breathing space during the depths of the recession before these standards are introduced. But pollution remains a serious health issue and although we have seen off large fines that were looming from Europe, this remains a real threat unless we take drastic measures.
“Now is the time to help us tackle dangerous emissions to help those who most deserve our protection.”
Larger vans and minibuses were originally due to be included in the LEZ from 4 October 2010, however, the Mayor deferred their introduction to give the owners and operators of the estimated 70,000 non-compliant vehicles more time to make the necessary changes.
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