VW

Why are car companies trying to block laws that would save us money and protect the climate?

Posted by bex - 10 May 2012 at 10:43am - 3 Comments
Volkswagen is lobbying against critical environmental laws
All rights reserved. Credit: Greenpeace / Pedro Armestre
Volkswagen is lobbying against critical environmental laws

With fuel prices at record levels and predicted to keep rising, you’d think that new European proposals to stem drivers’ costs and reduce emissions would be welcomed by all. But major car companies like VW are opposing these laws – so today we released a new report detailing how increasing efficiency will benefit both the public and the climate.

Cost of driving

Publication date:  10 May, 2012

Greenpeace commissioned an independent expert to calculate the cost savings that drivers in 15 European states can expect if EU fuel efficiency legislation is implemented as­‐is, and if it is improved.

Below you can download the research and a briefing that accompanies the research to highlight the main findings for the UK and put them in the context of today’s record high fuel prices and this summer’s expected lobby battle as EU legislation is revised.

Download the report:

VW Stormtrooper: the comic

Posted by bex - 19 April 2012 at 5:38pm - 1 Comment

For several months, our intrepid active supporters Jedis have been out in force, persuading thousands of members of the public to sign VW Darkside cards - which we've been sending through to the top brass at the VW's headquarters in Milton Keynes, and to their biggest dealerships.

VW stormtrooper comic

VW stormtrooper comic
Author Credit:  RHenderson
Date Taken:  19 April, 2012

Protest during Volkswagen's AGM

Protest during Volkswagen's AGM
Author Credit:  Daniel Mueller / Greenpeace
Date Taken:  19 April, 2012

Taking your message to VW

Posted by bex - 19 April 2012 at 3:18pm - 1 Comment
Protest during Volkswagen's AGM
All rights reserved. Credit: Daniel Mueller / Greenpeace
Protest during Volkswagen's AGM

For almost a year now, you’ve been asking VW to turn away from the dark side and reduce its fleet’s CO2 emissions. Today we took that message to the company’s AGM in Hamburg with a giant banner reading "Take responsibility seriously! Honest climate protection now" (in German, obviously).

Action at the VW Factory in Wolfsburg

Action at the VW Factory in Wolfsburg
Author Credit:  Michael Loewa / Greenpeace
Date Taken:  18 April, 2012

CO2 - Das Problem

Posted by bex - 17 April 2012 at 4:56pm - 1 Comment
Paraglider with banner flying around VW headquarters
All rights reserved. Credit: Michael Loewa / Greenpeace
Paraglider with banner flying around VW headquarters

This morning, two activists in Germany climbed the towering VW office building, dropped a banner reading “CO2 - Das Problem”, demonstrating that VW’s boss needs to show more responsibility when it comes to climate change. The climbers were removed, but another Greenpeace activist has since managed to paraglide around the tower - sending the message that the rebellion will continue until VW commits to real climate protection.

Paraglider with banner flying around VW headquarters

Paraglider with banner flying around VW headquarters
Author Credit:  Michael Loewa / Greenpeace
Date Taken:  17 April, 2012

Warm-up

Stormtroopers preparing for the party.
Author Credit:  Bartek Odias
Date Taken:  6 April, 2012