Cars Are Good for the Environment
Britain’s motor industry is planning a major publicity campaign to counter what it sees as an official anti-car bias and to improve, the environmental image of the cars, according to documents leaked to the pressure group, Friends of the Earth (FOE). (46) .
The internal document which was produced last month by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, says that the "ultimate objective of the campaign must be to protect the long term commercial of the motor industry and the lifestyle of car users".
(47) . European car manufacturers have already agreed with the European Commission to reduce CO₂ emissions from new cars by 25 per cent to target of 140 grams per kilometre by 2008.
However, the document also reveals that the industry is some way from meeting the target. (48) .
To help control these emissions, the government has proposed replacing the flat rate annual tax on cars with a tax related to engine size so that owners of large gas-guzzler(耗油量大的汽车)would pay more than owners of small cars. (49) .
Richard Barnet, the society’s media manager, says:"We will work with the government to practise a practical system." (50 .
A The campaign will highlight the motor industry’s efforts to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide(二氧化碳)
B But the motor industry opposes taxes on persons owning cars preferring taxes on use
C The five-year campaign could cost up to ￡12 million
D The reason why cars are good for the environment is obvious
E But Ian Willmore of FOE says the industry "may pose as partners of the government, but its real intention is to frustrate serious attempts to reduce traffic levels"
F For example, last year’s new cars exceed an average of 192 grams per kilometre —some 37 percent above the target