I always explain my Prius as a hybrid that pollutes 90% and uses half the gas as a similar sized automatic car.

That would be 90% less...

That would be 90% less than !

Honestly... almost all human activity has impact on the earth. I think that people should still be encourages to care and DO stuff... not continue negativity that nothing is ever enough. I don't think anyone claims that a Prius is the perfect solution... but it is far from Green washing when you compare a Prius to H2. But obviously a Bicycle is far better then a Prius. But even a Bicycle isn't very green compared to walking... and even walking one should be naked and be careful where they step.

Humans make impact... it managing and being aware of that impact that we need to make important.

Oh, Bente, pull that Norway spruce from out of your hindquarters! Lighten up, will ya?

Yes, cars are inherently not environmentally friendly. But they are here and they are a modern necessity. So when an automaker is actually making an attempt to be more responsible, they should be rewarded financially. And if marketing gets the word out, then more people will make more responsible or, er, less irresponsible decisions.

Bravo Norway...That makes sense...finally no white washing...I'm guilty !

As an interesting side note, cars are the most recycled item on Earth. Lead acid batteries are second.

Hi Mark,

Ever thought about the huge batteries in your car?

Ms Bente Oeverli, it is always far more easier to comment other persons actions than to act for yourself. But the impact of the person who tries to do some good (or less bad) to the environment, even though how small it is, is always bigger than what comes from those who are the first in line to comment and evaluate.
I say: the people who have spent their savings on a car that is better for the benefit of everybody else do deserve being called environmentally friendly.

"Bravo Norway" for picking up on the rampant greenwashing trend. hold on... aren't treehugger the first to call a less polluting car as green, despite not actually being green. the rigorous intellect of treehugger's consumer site

Love it!
So how are norwegian ad agencies gonna deal with that?

Oh hell yes! Finally advertisers lose the power of manipulating words!...well at least in Norway...in reference to cars.

Honestly, this really makes me happy and I really hope others will follow suit. I don't think the US will ever do this for a multitude of economic, political, and social reasons but one can always hope and push for it!

Mark, you're obviously in denial. There are non-hybrids that use less gas of a similar size and cars that pollute less too of a similar size.

Ed, cars aren't a modern necessity for everyone.

The problem with Treehugger is it generally has a US perspective which makes Norway's stance glaringly at odds with the message often espoused here both in articles and comments.

Ah... to live in an adult, non-corrupt society... ah...

You go Norway.

Of course, there is that Statoil thing...

less harmfull, less poluting, less noisy, less carbon emisions, less altering the climate.....

more miles for the fuels, more driving for the cash...

there is plenty of ways to sell greenER cars.. what we have done in Norway is only stating the facts, cars are bad for the enviorment, both global and and local..

on the other hand, IF car producers want to fullfill the specs of the differnt green labels, just go ahead and try it! The elecric ones are very near their goal...

So let me get this straight.
All human activity is bad for the environment. The only cure then would be to leave the earth and destroy another plannet.
It all sounds a little nutty to me.
If we must leave then set the example for us all and you go first. Send me an email and let me know how it works out for you.

Broad sweeping statements pre-election Norway, “banning combustion engine vehicles” from a rather fat rich oil driven country…hmmm.. and yet the government seems not to support alternative infrastructure proposals as a plausible solution to their very own question. Residing here, I cannot see Norway reverting to a Luddite mentality nor do I see it as productive to finding feasible long term solutions to the way most Norwegians (and the rest of the west) choose to live their lives. Another opinion is that we are better at finding our ways out of a mess through technology than we are at pre-empting a mess in the first place. If this argument is correct, is it not better to focus on solutions to the problem rather than critiquing what has evolved through necessity. I applaud Prius for their innovation as I do Think, EV1, Aerovironment, Altairnano, Tesla, Lady Diana and mother Theresa. Simply because they have dealt with the reality of circumstance and found a solution through innovation. (ok.. not really Lady D, but apparently her heart was in the right place)

You could expand the Norway argument to anything manufactured or produced — including plants and animals, even us. It's a little overboard. Really, what is green by their definition? I get a little tired of the "people are optional" environmental extremism.