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 efficient 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.

THE RENAULT ZE RANGE

Renault has invested heavily in the upcoming ZE (Zero Emission) range of Electric Vehicles, which is set to include the Kangoo, Fluence, Twizy and Zoe models.

The aim of this range of electric cars is to create a cutting edge automotive technology that is accessible to everybody, which forms a large part Renault’s substantial investment commitment to making cars simpler, more comfortable, more technologically advanced, and above all, a lot kinder to the environment.  Here’s some very basic information about Renault ZE;

•What kind of socket is required?
Any standard 220V – 16A or 10A domestic socket can be used to recharge the Twizy.
All other Renault Z.E. vehicles can be charged via an intelligent, secure recharging device, known as the Wall Box. This practical solution will allow you to recharge your vehicle directly in your garage.

•How long does it take?
Three and a half hours are required to fully recharge the Twizy.
Six to eight hours are necessary to fully recharge the other vehicles.

When can the system be used?
You can recharge your vehicle this way when it is parked overnight in a private parking space, or during the day (while you are at work) in a public car park. In so doing, you make the best possible use of your time.

Further information about the Renault ZE product range can be found at www.renault-ze.com

ECO2 SYMBOL A vehicle is given the Renault Eco2 symbol if it: Emits less than 120g/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 7% recycled plastics in its plastic mass.

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. Since 1996 Renault has decreased: its energy consumption by 25% (kW/vehicle), its water consumption by 57% (m³/vehicle), its waste by 65% (kg/vehicle), its water-borne effluents by 38% (kg/vehicle) its industrial liquid effluents by 44% (kg/j/vehicle)

This percentage varies from between 7% 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.

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 brand.

 

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.

DISPOSAL OF CAR BATTERIES In accordance with requirements stipulated in the 2009 Waste Batteries and Accumulators regulation, Renault vehicle owners can now dispose of their waste automotive, portable and Industrial batteries (from electric/hybrid vehicles) free of charge. Renault vehicle owners can either take waste batteries to their nearest Renault dealer or alternatively to their nearest local waste management site. It is an offence to dispose of waste batteries by landfill or incineration from 1 January 2010.

Renault UK is registered with the UK Government as part of an EU-wide initiative to increase battery collection/recycling and completely prohibit the landfill/incineration of automotive and industrial batteries. Our battery producer registration number is BPRN00438.

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.

Renrod Ltd, owner of Platinum Renault are corporate members of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, and therefore contribute to the upkeep of some of the county’s nature reserves.