In its latest rankings, the independent environment institute Öko-Trend has named the Mercedes-Benz SL 500 the most environment-friendly sports car for the third year running. In total, the environment institute named three Mercedes-Benz models Germany's "most environment-friendly car" in their respective categories: the E-, S- and SL-Classes.
After assessing around 1,000 cars and approximately 25,000 individual statistics, the environment institute "Öko-Trend" - based in Wuppertal, Germany - has named the Mercedes-Benz E-Class "most environment-friendly car" in the upper mid-size category for the second year running. The E 220 CDI received its top ranking because its state-of-the-art diesel engine and particulate trap result in exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions for a vehicle in this class.
The same rationale also applies to the Mercedes-Benz S 320 CDI, which the "Öko-Trend" experts rank as Germany's most environment-friendly luxury-class car. As the institute points out, this saloon's outstanding emissions and fuel consumption would have been unthinkable in this segment even just a few years ago.
The Mercedes-Benz SL 500 meanwhile was voted most environment-friendly sports car for the third year running. This model is impressive proof that Mercedes-Benz develops and produces its technically advanced vehicles in the top performance and luxury brackets with a clear focus on environmental considerations. For example the company is already using large numbers of parts made from renewable natural materials, thus reducing resources consumption and, by extension, carbon dioxide emissions. This is one reason why the institute awarded Mercedes-Benz the maximum possible points scores in the areas of procurement, logistics, recycling and environmental management.
The Wuppertal-based environment institute "Öko-Trend" has been producing its annual environment rankings, which provide valuable guidance for car buyers, since 1997. The rankings are based on a comprehensive scientific analysis of the models available on the German market. The analysis is geared to real-world conditions and pays particular attention to fuel consumption and emissions. Economical use of resources, well-thought-out recycling concepts and efficient environmental management are also taken into account.
The Öko-Trend institute also recommends Mercedes-Benz's environment-friendly cars on cost grounds, since low fuel consumption and favourable taxation (in Germany) mean low operating costs. Environment-friendly vehicles are also seen as particularly well prepared for the future and therefore likely to retain their value.
Source:
autoweb
19th May 2004, 15:27
