In this measure, efforts were made to encourage private companies to choose clean vehicles. Ínformation campains, test fleet and investment grants helped to increase market penetration.
In Stockholm, city efforts to promote cleaner vehicles initially focused on using clean vehicles in the municipal fleet. This was a strategic decision; the city could use its own purchasing decisions to develop a market for cleaner fuels and associated infrastructure. A network of ethanol and biogas fuelling stations has been established and is continuously expanding. Now the second generation of clean vehicles is available on the market, with operating economy and performance competitive with their petrol-fuelled counterparts. And many companies and organisations are concentrating their environmental efforts on reducing the impact of their own transport and travel.
The penetration of clean vehicles in private company fleets have increased. 2004 clean vehicles had 2% of the market share. From interviews and questionnaires it is estimated that approximately 50 % of all major companies have at least 1 clean vehicle in their fleet. The awareness of clean vehicles has also been an important issue. Today it is estimated that every private company with more than 250 employees and an environmental manager have knowledge about clean vehicles. 15 % of the inhabitants in Stockholm believe that they will buy a clean vehicle in the near future and 53% are aware of clean vehicles. The city of Stockholm considers biogas, ethanol, electric hybride and electric vehicles as clean.
This Trendsetter measure have:
Conducted a market study identifying the determinants of company car purchases and necessary specifications for clean vehicles
Produced an information campaign promoting clean vehicles and fuels aimed at private companies - autumn 2003
Provided a fleet of clean test vehicles in close cooperation with Stockholm car dealers - operative since 2002
Identified companies with large company fleets that may be interested in receiving information about clean vehicles
Measured the number of clean vehicles sold and the volume of renewable fuels purchased in Stockholm as a result of this measure, and assess the environmental impact of this type of incentive programme
Provided subsidies covering the extra costs for private companies to invest in clean vehicles
Effective ways to stimulate the market are
economic benefits like tax reductions and free parking on a long term basis
active PR work and information events where different actors meet
providing objective facts about clean vehicles on internet and in media, to counteract prejudice and misinterpretations among potential buyers.
More information:
Björn Hugosson, Environment and Health Administration, +46 8 508 28 940,
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