BRITS ECO EFFORT GOES OUT OF THE CAR WINDOW - April 2nd 2009

BRITS ECO EFFORT GOES OUT OF THE CAR WINDOW

Jodie Kidd launches ‘TOTAL National Green Car Month’ to help motorists reduce their carbon emissions and fuel consumption by 10 per cent

Nine out of ten Brits claim to be more environmentally friendly than they were five years ago, yet this eco awareness does not stretch to the road. In fact, once Brits are behind the wheel their eco effort goes out of the car window, just 6 per cent consider the environment when driving, compared to 82 per cent when in the home.

The study commissioned by TOTAL ECO 10, found that green awareness is at an all time high with well over half (59%) of Brits admitting they are constantly reminded about climate change by the media. As a result 93 per cent of the population now regularly recycle and nine out of 10 reuse plastic carrier bags. However, it is evident this best practice is not reflected on the road.

Driving in the Red

Drivers are in the red when it comes to their carbon footprint, when quizzed, a massive 95 per cent were unaware of how much CO₂ the average UK motorist produces a year. Just one in 20, knew the average driver produces 4 tonnes of carbon emissions. Fifty-eight per cent of motorists do not regularly check their tyre pressure or oil levels and 44 per cent of motorists always have the air conditioning on, even if not necessary.

To encourage UK motorists to drive more efficiently, conserving the environment and cash enroute; model and motor enthusiast Jodie Kidd, today (2nd April) launches the ‘TOTAL National Green Car Month’. National Green Car Month is part of the nationwide TOTAL ECO 10 campaign, set to save motorists up to 10 per cent in fuel consumption and the UK a massive 17.2 million tonnes in CO₂ emissions[1] by March 2010, the equivalent of 27,023 return flights to New York[2].

TOTAL ECO 10 Green Car Surgeries

As part of ‘National Green Car’ month, TOTAL ECO 10 in association with Nationwide Autocentre, will offer FREE green car services for motorists on TOTAL forecourts across the UK and throughout the month of April. The ten minute service, specifically designed to make engines more fuel efficient will include oil, brake, clutch, coolant and tyre checks.

Jodie Kidd explained: “Whilst many are concerned about the effect we have on the environment, most of us are not prepared or simply can’t give up our car. The study revealed that a massive 84 per cent of us would prefer to drive than take public transport or walk.

Jodie continued: “The TOTAL ECO 10 Green Car Surgeries will take just a few minutes and should give motorists the friendly green nudge to bring good eco habits already practiced in the home onto our roads. The surgeries combined with the TOTAL ECO 10 programme offers a way forward, to carry on driving, whilst reducing environmental impact.”

Gemma Shepherdson, Brand Manager, TOTAL said: “The TOTAL ECO 10 programme and Green Car Surgeries have been designed to take away the green smokescreen for motorists and make it simple to reduce their carbon footprint.”

“By following the four TOTAL ECO 10 principles (the adoption of advanced fuels and fuel economy lubricants, correct vehicle maintenance (such as regular servicing) and optimum tyre pressure) and taking part in one of our Green Car Surgeries, motorist’s pockets will benefit as well as the environment. TOTAL is in an excellent position to help educate the UK public to drive more fuel efficiently plus we have developed the tools to help them do so.”

Mark Taylor, Commercial Director, Nationwide Autocentre said: “We have already carried out over 2,500 green ‘fuel services’ with a 100 per cent success rate in reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency. Visitors to the TOTAL ECO 10 Green Car Surgeries can be confident of an improved performance from their car for FREE.”

For more information and to find out where your local TOTAL ECO 10 Green Surgery is visit www.total.co.uk/eco10