Proton Jumbuck is greenest Aussi Light -Ute

By Neville D'Cruz

MELBOURNE, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Proton's Jumbuck half tonne ute has been named the greenest and most economical ute or light utility vehicle on the Australian market, recording the best greenhouse rating and the best air pollution rating in the category, according to the Australian Government's Green Vehicle Guide.

The guide, which is put together by the Federal Government's Greenhouse Office, also declared the frugal Jumbuck to be the most economical ute on the Australian market with an average overall fuel consumption of just 7.1 litres per 100km.

The Jumbuck outranked all other utes, including all diesel-powered models, in terms of greenhouse and air pollution rating as well as fuel use, recording a 3.5-star rating from the guide.

The Jumbuck scored a category-leading rating of 5 in terms of air pollution and a 7/10 greenhouse rating, one rating point ahead of the next best performer, a diesel-powered ute.

The Greenhouse Rating awards a score out of 10 for the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) the vehicle produces, the higher the score the lower the CO2 emitted.

All new vehicle models up to 3.5 tonnes sold in Australia are tested by the government to determine both the fuel consumption and the level of CO2 emission.

The Air Pollution Rating is based on the level of air pollutant emission allowable under the standard to which the particular vehicle has been successfully tested for supply to the Australian market.

Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari said the Green Vehicle Guide results underline the efficiency and eco-friendly credentials of the Jumbuck.

"The fact that Jumbuck is the most eco-friendly ute on the market will make it an attractive and logical choice for people and companies seeking to have less impact on our environment and to reduce the influence on climate change," he said.

"Jumbuck proves that larger gas-guzzling utes with only marginally bigger payloads are no longer a logical option for anyone who cares about the environment and reducing vehicle fuel usage and pollution."-- BERNAMA