Seat Ibiza Ecomotive

By Ben Barry Motor Shows 12 September 2007 07:28 Seat Ibiza Ecomotive: the lowdown Even the Spanish went green at Frankfurt. Using the Polo BlueMotion’s 1.4-litre TDi engine, longer gear ratios and Dunlop tyres that generate less friction, the Ibiza Ecomotive will deliver 74.3mpg and emit just 99g/km CO2, meaning it is tax exempt and, should Ken Livingstone’s recent proposals be approved, get into London’s Congestion Charge zone for free. Performance figures are yet to be announced, but expect 77bhp, 144lb ft torque, a 0-60mph time of around 12.8sec and a top speed of 109mph – figures in line with the Polo.

Company drivers fail to have correct licence

FIVE IN EVERY 1000 company car, van and truck drivers in the UK does not have the correct licence to be at the wheel. With more than 5 million vehicles on the UK’s roads owned by companies, this means 5000 drivers either have the wrong licence or simply don’t have any licence at all. Research by the Licence Bureau has revealed the top five reasons for drivers failing to have the right licence for the vehicle they are driving.

Volkswagen considers bringing an electric vehicle to the United States

A larger version of the tiny Volkswagen E-Up! electric-vehicle concept, unveiled here at the Frankfurt auto show, likely will be sold in the United States. "The reason we are working on an electric vehicle is the American market," said Ulrich Hackenberg, board member in charge of product development at Volkswagen AG.