This publication examines how low carbon cars could soon be rolling off production lines without major investment in technology. Packed with detailed, well-researched and practical recommendations for introducing less powerful, lighter weight cars, the report shows how safety can be improved and fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced substantially.

Stephen Plowden - a leading transport economist - and Simon Lister - an experienced transport researcher and modeller - have calculated potential reductions in fuel consumption for different sizes of car, by comparing them with relatively low-polluting cars already on the European market. With compelling evidence that lighter weight, low carbon cars would reduce both the number and severity of injuries suffered by car drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians, the authors call for government intervention allowing the motor industry to make low carbon cars a reality.