Whilst that statement is certainly true, much work has been done in recent years by car manufacturers such as Renault to reduce or even eliminate the harmful effects of manufacturing and vehicle emissions.

Also, great strides have been made in the areas of fuel consumption and the recyclability of Renault cars and commercials, with stiff targets and objectives being set in order to deliver a motoring experience that is much less impacting on the environment.

Renault and the Environment

Renault launched the Renault eco2 signature in May 2007 to identify its most ecological and economical vehicles. The signature reflects Renault's aim to inform customers of the environmental progress it has made across the vehicle life cycle in the last 10 years. Renault eco2 vehicles fulfill three ecological criteria in Production, CO2 emissions and Recycling.

Taking action for the environment means looking ahead. Renault will apply stricter conditions to its eco2 label to keep pace with the major progress made by future generations of vehicles. At the same time, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is aiming for zero emissions: zero noise – zero pollutant emissions – zero greenhouse gases.

ECO2 SYMBOL
A vehicle is given the Renault Eco2 symbol if it:
• Emits less than 140g/km of CO2 or operates on biofuels (in France), on E85 ethanol or on B30 biodiesel
• Is manufactured in a plant that has been certified ISO 14001
• Can be 95% recoverable at the end of its lifecycle (recyclable for other use or as a source of energy) and it includes at least 5% recycled plastics in its plastic mass.

MORE ON CO2 Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and energy consumption CO2 is the main culprit behind the greenhouse effect that threatens climate change. In consuming corresponding amounts of fossil fuel, motor vehicles release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Renault pursues a number of major research initiatives to reduce these emissions.

- To start with, Renault strives to minimize CO2 emissions from its gasoline and diesel engines. This problem is tackled from many different angles, including optimized fuel combustion, lightweight vehicle design, and reducing friction between moving parts. Improvements in all these areas help reduce fuel consumption, and thereby CO2 emissions.

- Vehicle aerodynamics also has a bearing on fuel consumption. Recent developments in digital aerodynamic modelling provide engineers with valuable insights into the impact of design choices on fuel consumption.

- Renault takes part in ambitious research programs on alternative energies capable of eventually taking over from classic petroleum fuels, either in the near future (for biomass fuels and battery-electric vehicles) or within a longer time-frame (for fuel cells to power electric vehicles).

ECO2
MANUFACTURING

"The vehicle is manufactured in a plant that has been certified ISO 14001"

ISO 14001 certifies the progress made by an industrial site to reduce its water and energy consumption and the visual and audible disturbances, as well as the discharge of pollutants into the air and water

RECYCLING
To obtain the Renault eco² signature, at least 5% of the vehicle's plastic content has to be made of plastic recovered from end-of-life products.

This value represents the content of recovered plastic used in components stipulated by the ISO 14 021 standard. This percentage varies from between 5% and 13% for Renault models 95% recoverable means that: 95% of its mass can be re-used ("a new life"): • 10% can provide energy (cement production, heating, etc.) • 85% for recovering matter, re-use. Renault eco2 vehicles are eco-designed so that they can be 95% recovered by weight during end-of-life processing.

CO2 RANGE
The amount of Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Fund Licence) payable on new cars varies depending on the level of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions produced by the vehicle and the type of fuel used. The table below illustrates the ‘CO2 banding’ and therefore, the amount of Vehicle Excise Duty payable.

ECO DRIVING TIPS
As a carmaker, Renault’s duty is to provide novel solutions that help its customers reduce their fuel consumption and, at the same time, curb the production of greenhouse gases.

Motorists can play a major part in reducing the fuel consumption of their vehicle. Eco-driving encourages drivers to go easy on their vehicles, which should be serviced properly and adapted to their needs.

Eco-driving can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%.

Tip 1. Improve your gear changes
• Shift down at approximately 1,000rpm.
• Shift up to the next gear at approximately 2,000rpm in diesel vehicles and at 2,400rpm in a petrol engine.
• At 30mph, you should already be in fourth or fifth gear

Tip 2. Drive smoothly
• Maintain a steady speed as soon as possible (from 40kph).
• Brake with the engine and use your foot brake as little as possible. Allowing the vehicle to slow naturally helps to cut the fuel flow.
• At 30mph in fifth gear, lift off the accelerator 100m before a red light.

Tip 3. Think about how you accelerate
• Up to 30mph, it is preferable to accelerate briskly up to fifth gear.
• At speeds in excess of 30mph, acceleration should be restrained
• Change gear very swiftly up to fifth gear.

Tip 4. Climbs and descents
• Keep to the same speed when going down a hill.
• On an uphill gradient, let the car lose speed, but without becoming obstructing other road-users. If possible, maintain your vehicle at a steady speed above 40kph.
• Use descents to take your foot off the accelerator.

Tip 5. Use your motor smartly
• Turn off your engine if you stop for more than 30 seconds.
• Do not preheat your engine even in winter.
• Pull away as soon as the engine has fired up.

Tip 6. Look after your car
• Check tyre pressures every month.
• If you have to use the air conditioning, make sure the difference between the temperatures inside your vehicle and outside is not too great.
• Do not leave any unnecessary loads in your vehicle.
• Remove roof bars and roof boxes when not in use.
• Proper servicing and proper use of your vehicle are as important as eco-driving.

For more information on reducing CO2 emissions from your vehicle go to
www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2

END OF LIFE VEHICLES
Nothing is forever! One day a Renault reaches the end of its service life. Although it is not suitable for daily use any more, it is not worthless and still has a value: every old vehicle contains expensive raw materials that can be recycled into the product cycle again.

In line with the requirements of the EC End of Life Vehicle Directive, Renault owners are offered the possibility to dispose of their vehicle at the end of its useful life, free of charge.

The End of Life Vehicle Directive applies to all passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with up to nine seats and up to a total permissible weight of 3.5 tonnes.

Free take back is currently available for all vehicles regardless of age as from the 1st January 2007.

As defined in the law, free take back will be offered provided:
- The vehicle is delivered to a Renault appointed take back facility
- The vehicle contains all its essential components, in particular the engine, transmission, coachwork, wheels or catalytic converter (if originally fitted)
- That no waste has been added to the vehicle (for example: household and garden waste, extra tyres etc...)

Renault has selected Cartakeback.com Ltd to provide free take back to last owners of vehicles of the Renault, Alpine and Dacia brands.

The Cartakeback Network covers all regions of the UK. All take back and treatment facilities operate in conformity with the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) requirements.

Vehicles will be treated to meet the recycling and recovery target of 85 percent by weight from 2006 as set by the End of Life Vehicle Directive.

Platinum Renault & The Environment

Although product innovations with regard to reducing environmental impact are the preserve of Renault themselves, Platinum Renault are also committed to an ongoing process environmental responsibility, centred around waste reduction, energy efficiency, recycling of rubbish, and the responsible disposal of waste materials.