Toyota Prius 2012 News

The FT-Bh concept is as spacious as an average five-door compact car, yet is projected to use half the fuel and produce half the emissions.FT-Bh, which stands for Future Toyota B-segment (Yaris size) hybrid, will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show at March 6.Engineers focused on five key pillars to achieve maximum fuel economy and minimum emissions: weight reduction, optimum aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency, thermal energy management and electricity saving.This "total vehicle" approach has resulted in a car that weighs less than 800kg - at least one-third less than most compact cars - with a downsized full hybrid powertrain and a 30 per cent gain in aerodynamic efficiency.These feats have been achieved by adopting an economically viable production framework using common materials and procedures - not exotic materials or expensive techniques.Other cars on the Toyota stand include the new 86 sports car, which is due on sale in Australia around the middle of the year.The company will also display the NS4, a next-generation plug-in hybrid, and the FCV-R, which represents the next step towards mass production of hydrogen-powered cars. 

The new hybrid hero is not technically part of the Prius family, but Toyota is using its TS 030 as a 320km/h labratory-on-wheels and a way to break down barriers against future cars. Toyota is not planning to win in France this year but does intend to lay the foundations for future success at Le Mans with a two-car coupe entry in full factory colours. But it will not be the only hybrid contender in June, as Audi has just confirmed plans to race a pair of diesel-electric versions of its latest R18 in a four-car effort at Le Mans. It is believed to use a flywheel, similar to the Williams F1 system already used by Porsche in a racing 911, for energy storage. The new Toyota 030 is also a full hybrid that combines a 3.4-litre V8 racing engine with a hybrid energy storage system to boost power to electric motors at the wheels. The biggest difference between the road and race cars is the storage system - a Prius uses a battery pack and the Toyota racer uses a high-tech capacitor that has greater storage potential and the ability to release energy in a more concerted burst. "The first year is a testing year, but at the same time, the whole team, including myself, has massive motivation. Even if it is the first year, we are there to win the race," says Kazuki Nakajima, a former Williams F1 driver who heads the driver lineup for Le Mans. Toyota has fielded cars many times at Le Mans, firstly with the TS 010 and 020 that made the podium in the 1990s, then the GT-One built in Germany by the team that would eventually take Toyota - unsuccessfully - into Formula One. The 030 hybrid has already been tested extensively ahead of Le Mans but Toyota says it is still assessing the potential drive system. Race rules mean a maximum of 500 kiloJoules of energy can be recovered under braking - although the capacity of the Toyota system is double that amount - and it can be fed to either the front or rear wheels. rand Prix cars use their kinetic energy recovery systems to boost drive to the rear wheels but Porsche has turned its 911 into an all-wheel drive racer with electric power to the front wheels, something also being trialled by Toyota. The Toyota 030 hybrid races for the first time at Spa in Belgium in May and, apart from Nakajima, the six-driver lineup also includes former F1 racer Alex Wurz.

Cheap and green is the name of the game, with the Yaris aiming to deliver the least expensive hybrid in the market, with the best fuel economy and emissions figures in the light car segment. Rather than relying on the 1.8-litre engine from the Prius, Toyota has downsized to a 1.5-litre and a smaller electric motor, inverter and battery pack, saving about 20 per cent in weight and avoiding having to cannibalise the Yaris cabin and 286-litre luggage space. The new system is tipped to deliver a maximum of 74kW with fuel economy nearing 3L/100km and emissions as low as 80g/km. This brings it under the Prius’ 3.4L/100km and 89g/km, and also makes it a contender against new ultra-light city cars such as the Volkswagen Up. Initially slated for Europe, the Yaris will make its international debut at Geneva Motor Show in March and hit the showrooms over there by May. And it will eventually hit our shores, but don’t expect to see it here for some years, Toyota Australia says. “For the Australian market we have the Prius C arriving towards the end of first quarter this year – within a couple of months -- and that will take the spot of the Yaris Hybrid here,” a Toyota spokesman says. “That’s for the interim. (TMC boss) Akio Toyoda’s vision is that every Toyota model will have a hybrid variant by 2020, so by then we will have one.” As the first full hybrid model in the B segment in Europe, Toyota’s newcomer will hope to build on the strength of Yaris being their top seller there – and snare younger buyers that can move up the model line as they mature.

Both cars are based on the Prius drivetrain and will appear in the first half of 2012 as a small, Yaris-based hatch and then later in the year as a stretched Prius platform that allows seating for seven people.So important are the new hybrid models to its future that Toyota has deliberately pushed its hot FT-86 coupe to one side.The two hybrids will escort a new Camry Hybrid - with its engine now made in Australia - and the ongoing Prius five-door hatchback through 2012.News of the two new Australia-bound hybrids preface the Tokyo motor show where Toyota will show five new hybrid, fuel-cell or electric vehicles.One car - the fuel-cell FCV-R sedan - is confirmation that Toyota is advancing on the development of an alternative automotive power source.Its appearance at the show - and expected 2015 launch - is the first time the fuel-cell technology has been seen in a passenger car. Previously, the drivetrain was hidden in a Kluger-Highlander SUV mule.It is unlikely Australia will see the FCV-R until its hydrogen fuel is more readily available. The first market for this car will be California which has hydrogen refuelling stations.Japan this month starts selling a plug-in version of the Prius that drives 24km on its batteries alone - but the car, like the FCV-R, isn't planned for launch in Australia.PRIUS C- Australian launch: First quarter, 2012- Price: About $25,000- Fuel economy: about 3.9 L/100kmThe Tokyo motor show represents the world premiere of the compact, Yaris-based hatchback. Toyota says the sub-4m body length is perfect for the city, its platform is designed for nimble handling and its shape seats four adults and enhances aerodynamic performance. It is powered by a lightweight hybrid system of a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a high-output electric motor. Toyota claims 2.5 L/100km on the Japanese test cycle, equating to about 3.9 L/100km on the more demanding Australian test. It will be launched in Japan next month as the Aqua.FCV-R- Australian launch: perhaps 2020- Price: n/a- Fuel economy: n/aThis is the world premiere of the fuel-cell drivetrain that has been tested for the past five years in a Kluger-Highlander SUV. It is planned for launch in 2015 in markets that have hydrogen fuel supplies. The hydrogen is regarded as a promising source of CO2 emission-free energy that can be produced from a variety of sources. The fuel-cell unit is beneath the passenger compartment. Toyota claims a 700km range with its 70MPa high-pressure hydrogen fuel tank.FT-EV III- Australian launch: concept only- Price: n/a- Fuel economy: n/aThis is the latest in a series of Toyota's electric concept cars and is based on the iQ city car now on sale in Europe. It is also marketed as an Aston Martin Cygnet. The FT-EV III is designed for short-distance trips and has a lithium-ion battery with an estimated cruising range of 105km. Though this is a concept, Toyota is known to be working on an electric version of the iQ that could be on the market in Europe as early as mid-2012.TOYOTA FUN-Vii- Australian launch: concept only- Price: n/a- Fuel economy: n/aToyota says this world premiere of its "quirky'' concept vehicle heralds a future where people, cars and society are linked. Radical. It is a key exhibit for the 42nd Tokyo motor show, which is being staged under the theme "Mobility can change the world''.PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID- Australian launch: perhaps 2020- Price: est. $35,000- Fuel economy: 3 L/100kmThis Prius Plug-in Hybrid goes on sale in Japan this month. It is heavily based on the existing Prius but has a new, high-capacity lithium-ion battery that can be charged from a household power outlet. This allows it to operate as an electric vehicle on short trips (up to 23km) and as a petrol-electric hybrid vehicle on medium to long trips. It can operate regardless of battery charge status or the availability of charging infrastructure.

M.I.G. Security relies on its nine-strong Toyota Prius fleet for security patrols around Mandurah and surrounding areas, about 75km south of Perth. Operations manager Paul Hiron said the longest-serving Prius, which has been used for patrols since 2005, is still going strong after 788,411km. Hiron says reliability is vital to their business as clients depended on the company to give them peace of mind. "Prius is ideal for our work, being quiet, economical and comfortable," he says. "It's ideal in stop-start traffic for fuel-efficiency and it performs on the open roads as well."

Feedback from show patrons will help determine whether the production version of the Prius c Concept is headed to Australia. The Prius c Concept is the inspiration for a future small hybrid with an entry price point and superior fuel economy. If approved for Australia, the city car will join the iconic hybrid Prius brand, broadening its appeal. Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the urban appeal of cars such as the Prius c would further increase the acceptance of hybrid cars in the market. "This car has the core Prius values based on Toyota's proven Hybrid Synergy Drive technology  strong performance, great fuel economy and ultra-low emissions," Mr Buttner said. "We are bringing it to the Australian motor show to test its appeal among buyers who we expect will come from a different group to those attracted to the current Prius. They are compact-car buyers, including young singles and couples, who want a mainstream city car that provides outstanding fuel economy while being fun to drive." The Prius c Concept, unveiled at this year's Detroit auto show, provides a surprisingly spacious interior in a compact package. It will include many advanced technology features, including some offered on the current Prius. The production car is due to be launched in the US during the first half of 2012. No timing has been announced for a possible Australian introduction.

And each week it seems the fuel price sign goes up faster than a politician's pay packet. Australians use a vast amount of fuel in going about their daily business, be it getting the kids to school, travelling to and from work, or conducting the nation's business.Each year we import an ocean of petrol, diesel and LPG that's equivalent to 63,000 Olympic swimming pools. And we're not alone, as the vast populations of newly mobile countries such as India and China take to the roads in their Tatas, Great Walls and Cherys, the world's thirst for oil seems ever more insatiable.Overlay this with war and unrest in the Middle East, the source of 56 per cent of the world's oil, and the inevitable push-pull dynamics of supply and demand can lean to only one thing: higher fuel prices.Here in Australia motorists have been feeling the pinch of higher fuel prices since January when the latest spike in oil prices first began appearing on service station leader boards.The spiralling petrol prices mean fuelling a family car like a Commodore or Falcon now accounts for 2.6 per cent of average weekly earnings. But you don't have to sit back and take it in the hip pocket. There are ways to drive down your weekly fuel bills. Here are a few of them.DOWNSIZING According to VFACTS industry statistics, this seems the most popular choice. Large cars have gone from the top-selling passenger segment in 2000 with 198,766 to the smallest passenger segment last year with 98,583 and falling at 3.1 per cent.Meanwhile, sales of smaller cars are skyrocketing. In the past 10 years small car sales have almost doubled to 239,191 while light cars have increased about 44 per cent to 137,916. You can buy a small car from as little as $11,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Chinese-made Chery, right up $35,990 for a Citroen DS3.And you won't go without. Some of the cheapest little cars these days come with a swag of safety and creature features from multiple airbags to Bluetooth connectivity.PROS: Save on fuel; do the environment a favour; easier to park; nippier in traffic; little hatches can be cavernous if you fold down the rear seats.CONS: You get cramped on long journeys; they are noisier on the highway; they're bumpier over potholes; you could feel a little silly driving a Smurf car.Our Pick: Hyundai i20 (from $15,490) is set to take over from Getz as the segment leader with Euro styling and a high level of features and safety.Others to Consider: Suzuki Swift (from $15,990), Mazda2 (from $15,790) and Toyota Yaris (from $14,990).DIESEL Like smaller car categories, the growth in diesel-powered vehicles is exponential. Since the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries began collating separate figures for various fuel types in 2005, diesel cars and SUVs have more than doubled to 125,555 last year, which is almost one in every five new passenger cars or SUVs bought today.The reason is that modern diesel engines are not only up to twice as frugal as a petrol vehicle, but they often have lower emissions because they burn less fuel per kilometre and usually have an exhaust system that traps small carbon materials.Modern diesels are also quieter and smoother running. However, diesel engines have higher internal pressures and a complex fuel system so they are more expensive to build than a petrol engine. Some car companies charge up to $10,000 more for a diesel variant, although most charge around an extra $2000.Expensive diesels are often the result of low production volumes and highly technological designs and machining costs. To reap the economic benefits you have to drive big kilometres each year and hold on to the vehicle longer.An extreme example is the Holden CD Cruze auto diesel that costs $4000 more than the petrol model. Based on RACQ's fuel running costs of 9.36c/km for the petrol and 8.41c/km for the diesel, you would have to drive 25,000km for 16 years to recoup the extra cost.PROS: Fuel economy is anywhere between 10-50 per cent better than a petrol equivalent; more torque means quicker acceleration and easier driving around town; better towing capacity; marginally better resale value; lower CO2 emissions per kilometre; diesel engines often last longer because of the more robust engineering.CONS: Fewer diesel pumps on servo forecourts means queuing at the servo; oily bowser pumps leave your hands smelly and dirty; the engines still clatter at idle and sound raucous at full revs; it takes a long time to reap the economic benefits; servicing charges can also be more expensive because of the more expensive oils required and the complicated fuel systems.Our Pick: Fiesta ECOnetic (from $24,990) is a hybrid beater even in stop-start commuting, yet it's a delight to drive.Others to Consider: Hyundai i30 (from $23,090), VW Golf (from $29,990), Subaru Forester (from $35,990).LPG It's almost worth it to convert your petrol or diesel vehicle to LPG just to get the $1500 Federal government subsidy. But you better be quick because the conversion rebate drops to $1250 from July 1 and decreases $250 annually. All rebates and subsidies are only for private vehicles.Conversions cost an average of $2800 for pre-2006 vehicles, but about $4000 for newer vehicles because of emissions regulations. If you buy a vehicle factory fitted for LPG before its first registration, you get a $2000 rebate from the Feds.However, choices of new vehicles with factory fitted LPG systems are limited. Ford has a new LPG Falcon coming in July and has factory-fitted systems for some of its utes. Holden has an Autogas dual-fuel injection system for its Commodore and will have a mono-fuel LPG Commodore later this year.Toyota has a direct injection LPG system for its 2.7-litre HiAce vans and Mitsubishi has an aftermarket sequential multi-port direct-injection system for its Challenger, Express Van, Pajero, Triton and the now defunct 380.PROS: Much cheaper fuel (about 60c compared with $140+ for ULP); government subsidies make conversion attractive; LPG prices are fairly static so you don't have to fill up on a Tuesday morning when servo prices are cheapest; lower emissions.CONS: Limited choice of new dual-fuel vehicles; only suitable for large vehicles; you lose boot space; even though they are safe they can develop minor smelly leaks; they add about 75kg (about the weight of two large suitcases) to the rear of the car effecting handling; it can be difficult finding servos with LPG in rural areas.HYBRID These are vehicles with petrol or diesel internal combustion engines paired with an electric motor or motors. The drivetrain and associated battery pack for the electric motor is more complex so therefore more costly. Like diesels, you need to do big kays before the savings at the bowser recoup the extra purchase price.For example, a Toyota Prius costs about $2500 more than a Corolla Ultima. Using RACQ's running costs, the fuel savings will take 4 years at 15,000km a year (or 2.5 years at 25,000km/year) to recoup the extra purchase price.Most hybrids switch off totally every time you stop and run on electric power only when you are driving slowly, so they are most economical in heavy traffic. The benefits are marginal on country roads and highways, although when both drive units are operating under heavy acceleration such as when overtaking, they do offer a tangible boost to acceleration.Despite the fact the technology has been around for 10 years, Hybrids are still relatively new. Today, there are 10 hybrid models on the market, but only the Toyota Prius, Camry, Honda Insight and Civic are affordable.Hybrids tend to be bought mainly by governments and big business to emphasise their green credentials. Taxi companies also like hybrids because of their fuel efficiency in urban environments. If you're open to the idea of a used vehicle, then a second-hand Prius or similar is a reasonable option.PROS: Cheaper to run in traffic; feel and be seen to be environmentally conscious; extra power under heavy acceleration; almost silent running when on electric only power.CONS: Higher purchase price; the number of models is limited but you can choose from a small Prius to a large Porsche Cayenne SUV; some look odd like the Prius and Insight.Our Pick: Toyota Prius (from $39,900) and the Honda Insight (from $29,990) at least look like futuristic hybrids, so your neighbours will know you are trying to be green.Others to consider: Honda Civic (from $34,490), Toyota Camry (from $36,990)ELECTRIC CARSThe only production electric cars in Australia are the Tesla Roadster at $241,938 and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV which is available only on a lease of $1740 a month for three years for a total of $62,640. Then the car goes back to Mitsubishi. When it arrives it is expected to cost $70,000.However, prices will come crashing down in the next few years as more and more EVs become available in Australia. The first of these will be the Nissan Leaf and Holden Volt next year.The Volt is expected to cost less than $40,000 and Nissan is saying the Leaf will cost about the same to run as a Tiida, even though initial outlay will probably be close to the Volt. While tailpipe emissions are zero, most electricity in Australia comes from burning dirty coal, so the environmental advantage is reduced.Some critics say there is no advantage. Current limitations of battery technology mean range is also limited to about 160km according to the car companies, but in real life it's less, especially if you have a lead foot.PROS: Very cheap to run; no tailpipe emissions; almost silent running; aerodynamic body shapes.CONS: Expensive to buy - that's if you can find one to buy; silent running can be dangerous for pedestrians; battery disposal is an environmental issue; range is limited; long re-charging time (up to eight hours); most EVs are designed to look futuristic but just end up looking like golf carts.DRIVE ECONOMICALLYOf all the things you can do to drive down your fuel bill, this is the most pragmatic as it's the simplest and most affordable. It can be expensive to swap your trusted and much-loved family car or SUV for something smaller or with an alternative powertrain.Trade-in prices on family cars are down according to the Motor Trades Association and if you buy a new car, you are up for dealer delivery charges, stamp duty and registration. It may be cheaper to hang on to your vehicle, but modify your driving behaviour for more economical running.There are many simple things you can do: Plan trips better and make fewer trips; jettison excess weight from the car; correctly inflate your tyres and get your car serviced more frequently.Most importantly you can vary your driving behaviour by slowing down, changing up the gears sooner, avoiding heavy breaking and staying away from peak-hour traffic. You may have heard these all before, but here are five radical ideas to reducing your fuel expense burden that you may not have heard.1. Cool idea: Turning off the airconditioning will provide a slight increase in fuel economy. However, when travelling on the highway, it is more fuel efficient to have the windows up and aircon switched on than having the windows down creating aerodynamic drag. Don't leave the aircon off for long periods as bacteria will build up in the system.2. Light is right: So throw out not only the unnecessary baggage such as your golf clubs, but maybe also the spare tyre. It can weigh 15-20kg in the average car. The US Department of Energy quotes fuel use as 1-2 per cent for every 45.5kg, so that's at least 0.5 per cent saved. Conversely, NRMA tests show that loading a vehicle to its rated maximum increases fuel consumption 24 per cent. While you might be able to get away without a spare tyre around town, we recommend you always carry it on long trips, especially in the country.3. Turned off: Switch off the engine at long traffic light stops. Modern fuel-injected cars start quickly without the need for any throttle. Car makers with stop-start technology that automatically switches off the engine every time the car is stopped quote fuel savings in traffic of 4-5 per cent.4. Just cruising: Use cruise control more frequently. Most cruise control systems actually put the car's engine into an economy mode and will run more efficiently than most drivers can drive as it accelerates more evenly. It is best used on the open road and not hilly terrain or stop-start conditions. While we could not find any official figures, some sources claim fuel savings up to 14 per cent.5. Re-tyre: the next time you buy tyres, choose from the new range of "eco" tyres with low rolling resistance. A California Energy Commission study estimated low-rolling resistance tyres could save 1.5-4.5 per cent on fuel consumption.

Toyota's eco-friendly but buyer-cool Prius hybrid was the first to slash its price, down between $5000 and $7500 depending on the model.  Effective immediately, Prius is $34,990 and the upmarket i-Tech version is $45,990.Toyota Australia says the substantial drop is in answer to its hybrid technology becoming more popular. Indeed, global Prius sales have exceeded a pleasing two-million units but in Australia, sales have totalled a relatively minor 16,000 since inception.It has recorded a 63.7 per cent year-to-date plunge for 2011 compared with the same period in 2010 despite total hybrid private buyer passenger car sales almost doubling. It is believed the Toyota Camry Hybrid has taken a large slice of the Prius market.Toyota Australia doesn't believe Prius buyers are disadvantaged by the price cuts.  Its sales and marketing director, Dave Buttner, says Toyota Australia has offered "substantial cost-of-ownership benefits for a considerable period through low-interest finance, in anticipation of official approval for the price repositioning"."Customers who have taken advantage of these offers to buy a Prius from our dealers over many months have made substantial savings and are certainly not disadvantaged."National passenger car sales slipped 4.1 per cent in March on a year-to-date basis and down 6.5 per cent on March 2010. Some big losers included the Ford Falcon, Volvo V70 and S40, VW Passat Mazda RX-8 and BMW 3-Series, the latter down 31 per cent on the same three-month period in 2010.Coincidentally, BMW has taken a knife to the prices of its 3-Series models with cuts of up to 11 per cent.  It says the "sharpened pricing" is "a celebration of what has been the world's most successful premium model series".Price changes affect the 3-Series sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible models. The 325i gets the biggest discount, falling $9100 (11 per cent) to $71,900 from $81,000 previously and at the same time, picking up the "Exclusive Innovations" pack with an upgraded sat-nav, voice control and bi-xenon headlights.The M Sport version of the 325i sedan is also down 11 per cent, now $76,700 with a similar $9100 saving.  The 3-Series 325i Convertible with the "Innovations" pack is $9500 cheaper at $94,600.Toyota's price cut aims to create greater acceptance of hybrids. The company is licensing its technology to other car makers.  Toyota's Dave Buttner says new hybrid models "will revitalise the market and help to make eco-cars in general more popular"."A key factor in lowering the cost of any advanced technology is market acceptance, leading to strong sales," he says.  "The more popular hybrid cars become, the more affordable their prices and, therefore, the greater the impact on the environment."

The problem is that no-one knows the plural of Prius, a world originally chosen in Japan because it meant 'to go before'. It's a latin word with no previous plural. In the USA, where two new Prius models were previewed at the Detroit auto show, Toyota has taken the task to the people with a massive online poll that has drawn hundreds of thousands of votes from five Prius choices. It narrowed the field to five potential choices before the start of voting with Prius fans given a choice between Priuses, Prii, Prius, Prien and Prium. The poll closes on February 20 when Toyota USA will announce the result, as well as locking in a Prius plural for its work on the expanded model lineup. The first newcomer for the range - joining the current Prius and plug-  in Prius hatches 0 is a more family-focussed people mover revealed as the Prius V at Detroit. V, in this case and in the same way it is applied to Volvo's wagons, stands for versatility. The next new model is the smaller and slightly sportier Prius C. The Prius V is expected to be in American showrooms in the second half of this year, with the Prius C in the first half of 2012. The launch dates point to more Australian action in 2012. The two leading contenders in the Prius poll are Prii and Priuses, with Prien running last. As well as running the Prius vote, Toyota USA is using the arrival of the new models for an unusual online marketing campaign with a series of short films "featuring a notable expert exploring the etymology of words". Etymology is the study of the development of words and the historical verification of their meanings. PRIUS is likely to stay Prius in Australia. Despite the American push for a plural, Toyota Australia has a much more straightforward attitude to the name of its hybrid hero. "A Prius is a Prius. It's the same for one Prius or 20 Prius," says a Toyota Australia representative. The company is studying the results from the USA but is unlikely to be rushed into any decision or change in its sales program.

It has slashed the vehicle emissions of the News Limited national fleet by almost 30 per cent and put it in the enviable position of a carbon neutral company.  Critical selection of new fleet vehicles has, since News Limited embarked on its One Degree energy efficiency mission in 2007, resulted in 24 per cent of new cars purchased emitting less than 150 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In total, the company's fleet is emitting almost 30 per cent less CO2 compared with three years ago.  One Degree accurately demonstrates how energy efficiency - and in this case, careful fleet vehicle purchases - can make substantial changes to the environment. But it doesn't stop there. The chairman and chief executive of News Limited, John Hartigan, says the company is on track to achieve its goal of reducing its emissions by 20 per cent. Low-emission - and therefore low fuel consumption - vehicles added to the fleet since 2007 include the Australian-made Toyota Camry Hybrid. It also has Toyota Prius Hybrids, Honda Civic Hybrids and diesel passenger cars including Hyundai i30 and Mazda6. The trend to smaller, more efficient cars is reflected in new additions including the Ford Fiesta and Golf - in diesel and petrol - models.  New Ltd Manager, Environment & Climate Change, Dr Tony Wilkins, says it's not just diesel and hybrids that are reducing corporate emissions. "The Volkswagen Golf TSI petrol surprised us with its 149g/km CO2," he says.  "That has helped bring down the fleet's carbon footprint since 2007 by 24 per cent." In total, News Limited has reduced its emissions by 18.4 per cent in 2009-2010 and is expected to meet its 20 per cent goal in the 2010 calendar year, when figures are released. Efficiency measures introduced over the past three years had reduced carbon emissions by 8.4 per cent (from 146,166 tonnes of carbon dioxide to 134,880 tonnes) with an additional 10 per cent reduction coming from renewable energy certificates. "In June 2007 we launched One Degree, setting aggressive targets to cut carbon emissions across every part of our operations," Mr Hartigan says.  "We started with one idea and a singular commitment, auditing over 85 per cent of operations and identifying 179 carbon reduction projects to change how we approach every aspect of our business. "As a result we have cut almost 30 per cent of vehicle fleet emissions, business travel is down by 22 per cent through the use of video conferencing and we have invested in more energy-efficient equipment to reduce emissions from lighting, cooling and printing." Mr Hartigan says One Degree is proof that small changes can add up to a big difference.  "One Degree has become part of the way we do business, and that will continue.  We are saving money by using less energy; it's an issue our employees are interested in; and it's an issue our readers continue to want debated."