BIS sets out HGV low-carbon roadmap

Date: 13/4/2011

Firms manufacturing or operating heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) have been presented with a roadmap detailing measures that should be taken to make the sector more environmentally friendly.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has set out a number of areas for companies in the HGV industry to look into, including hybridisation of vehicles, alternative fuels and the use of more efficient powertrains.

Business Secretary and Co-Chair of the Automotive Council Vince Cable stated that looking at environmental initiatives with HGVs is the next logical step, with the adoption of low-carbon technology in cars already underway.

Professor Richard Parry-Jones, Co-Chair of the Automotive Council, commented: "The roadmap provides a strategic focus for the UK's research and technology base to work in partnership with industry in these key sectors."

He added that the initiative will help the UK to stay at the forefront of development in such green technologies.

Last month, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council pledged to provide £10 million of funding towards research into the development of low-carbon vehicles.

Posted by Nick Anderson