Mar
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BMW 118d - World Green Car 2008
March 26, 2008 |
The 2008 World Car Awards board must have made the day of BMW R&D teams worldwide when it announced that the German manufacturers Advanced Diesel 118d is to be the ‘World Green Car’ for this year. The award was presented at the New York Auto Show and was based on the BMW’s low emissions and great fuel consumption, as well as its technological innovation in the sector of hybrid/sustainable cars.
The little German 1.8 litre Diesel came out ahead of the other finalists (Smart ForTwo and VW Passat Diesels) for the majority of the panel of 50 auto journalists in this prestigious contest. Emissions ratings at exhaust, mpg / fuel consumption stats and the advancement of the technology (which had to be ’sustainably focussed’) were the key criteria under consideration. BMW were quick to make the right noises about the judges decision and their North America President, Tom Purves spoke for the manufacturer upon receiving the award:
“As a company we have been committed to reducing fuel consumption and emissions of our vehicles, while at the same time improving performance. This commitment is the driving force of our Efficient Dynamics platform and the philosophy behind BMW’s vehicle designs and development of technologies such as the Advanced Diesel implemented in the 118d. This honor will inspire BMW’s continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.”
The small hatch has been the recipient of mixed reviews worldwide on an umber of issues including its looks, price and specification compared to competitors. However, its impressive fuel economy (particularly the 118d) and the backing of this prestigious award is sure to lessen the financial drawbacks for the ever increasing sector of green car buyers out there. More and more people are willing to pay that little bit more to ‘make a difference’ and, call me a cynic, but this is never more the case than when that difference comes with a nice shiny German badge on the front and back. Whether this is financially motivated buying, genuine eco-consciousness or just guilty purchasing who cares - whatever it is will help to bolster BMW’s position in this increasingly important area of production and prestige, not to mention the media.
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