Is this true...read it in the national, really sad if true

Dune_Phantom · Post by **Dune_Phantom** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 3:46 pm

http://www.thenational.ae/uae/uae-to-ba ... early-2016

UAE to ban SUVs by early 2016

DUBAI // The Government is considering banning SUVs and 4x4s from the nation’s roads in a year’s time under plans to radically slash the country’s carbon emissions while reducing traffic congestion.

If implemented, owners will be forced to trade in their larger vehicles – part of the UAE landscape for decades – for more environmentally friendly hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, in a move that has divided opinion. The plan has prompted an angry backlash from many drivers, who say they will launch a campaign against it. Environmentalists say the move is a step in the right direction.

Under the plan, if brought in, owners of petrol or diesel-driven 4x4s would be given an appropriate hybrid in exchange. The few owners of hybrid 4x4s would be encouraged to trade down a size. It remains unclear what size engine or vehicle will fall under the ban. But failure to surrender the cars will result in a fine. The rule is likely to come into force on April 1 next year.

Exchanges of vehicles must be completed before that date.

The Prius is regarded as one of the world’s most fuel-efficient cars, averaging about 80km a gallon.

By contrast, one of the most popular 4x4s in the UAE, the Toyota Land Cruiser, typically only averages about 24km a gallon. Carbon-dioxide emissions from a Prius are 49 grams a kilometre, while the Land Cruiser pumps out 213g/km.

Hari Das, the sales manager at 4x4 Motors in Dubai, said the move would be a hard sell to residents.

“People here are in love with their 4x4s,” Mr Das said. “If this is really going to happen, we will join with other 4x4 owners in fighting it.”

But he said that the company would continue to monitor the market and, if demand for hybrid cars rose, it would exchange its stock.

“Until now they have not been very popular, but if there is a change there we will respond to it with new stock,” Mr Das said.

David Chambers, the chief executive of Trident Support, owns a Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The truck is bigger than the average SUV, at 2 metres wide, not including wing mirrors, and 5.7 metres long.

Mr Chambers said he would contemplate leaving the country before parting with his beloved Chevy.

“We’re all a bunch of rednecks in Dubai and we love our 4x4s,” he said.

For the past 10 years, 4x4s have proven to be the most popular vehicle by far in terms of sales in the local market. Last year, Mercedes-Benz even launched a 6x6, described as a “monster truck for the road”, for sale locally because of the demand for large cars.

But sales of hybrid cars have been much lower than international averages because of the cheap cost of petrol.

Lexus has had four hybrid car models on sale in Dubai for the past four years, and the cheapest – the CT200 – sells for about Dh166,000.

A spokesman for the company at the Dubai Green Auto Show last year said Lexus had yet to see a big demand for hybrid vehicles.

Robin Mills, author and head of consulting at Manaar Energy in Dubai, said the timing of the move was unusual, although the date of the announcement could be significant.

“With falling oil prices, the burden of the Government on subsidising fuel at the pump has lessened significantly,” Mills said.

“A year ago this would have made sense and saved the government a lot of money in fuel subsidies. However, it does make a lot of sense from the environmental perspective, and would drastically reduce the city’s carbon footprint.”

Andy Whittaker, a British resident who owns a 4x4 and runs the Hot Cog Mountain Biking Club, said he probably would not even accept the free hybrid vehicle.

“I’d like them to take this a step further and ban all cars on the road,” Mr Whittaker said. “That way the environment will become a lot better.

“Dubai could become like Holland, with everyone cycling everywhere. Sheikh Zayed Road could become the world’s longest, biggest cycle path.”

newsdesk@thenational.ae

Allan · Post by **Allan** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 4:23 pm

Isn't it April 1st today?

Gladiator · Post by **Gladiator** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 4:28 pm

Allan wrote:Isn't it April 1st today?

Think so. April 1st. !!!!

Eisa · Post by **Eisa** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 4:30 pm

It's just April fool

Dune_Phantom · Post by **Dune_Phantom** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 4:32 pm

LOL Allan, i thought so too, however was surprised to find it in the National. Perhaps they will issue a notice that this was a Arpil Fools joke

scotchyl · Post by **scotchyl** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 5:05 pm

Mosalf wrote:LOL Allan, i thought so too, however was surprised to find it in the National. Perhaps they will issue a notice that this was a Arpil Fools joke

it was an editors pick so its a story they created for the paper rather than news so it will just pass by.

Snappy · Post by **Snappy** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 5:23 pm

And if you read it there is a comment "the date of the announcement could be significant "indicating its an April Fool

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Yehia · Post by **Yehia** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 5:30 pm

Mosalf wrote:LOL Allan, i thought so too, however was surprised to find it in the National. Perhaps they will issue a notice that this was a Arpil Fools joke

Mosalif, even if this is true they are talking about Toyota , so hurry up sell your FJ and buy a Jeep

Allan · Post by **Allan** » Wed Apr 01, 2015 5:31 pm

Mosalf wrote:LOL Allan, i thought so too, however was surprised to find it in the National. Perhaps they will issue a notice that this was a Arpil Fools joke

Agree - and they have really put an effort in to write a long story about it.

ZORRO · Post by **ZORRO** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 12:27 am

Denise · Post by **Denise** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:26 am

Imagine a world without 4x4

If true they would also have to ban all racing cars

For sure it is a prank or else i am packing !!

Idaho · Post by **Idaho** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 6:49 am

GA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.....

that was just too funny. Could you imagine if someone really tried to implement this?? Hilarious.

Brian (Idaho) JK 0506154559 ****

Come to the Dark Side (we have cookies)...

Dune_Phantom · Post by **Dune_Phantom** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 8:06 am

Lol, it's a nice article and felt like sharing. Evoked some good responses, my FB is buzzing since y'day. Here's hoping we never see the day when we need to trade in our passion to a Chevy spark

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Shinnaq · Post by **Shinnaq** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 9:34 pm

sure it's April fool.

Gladiator · Post by **Gladiator** » Thu Apr 02, 2015 10:02 pm

it's NOT April fool.. I shared the article on FB...

http://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/other/own ... ar-AAairAh

in the 80s. 4x4 used to be for locals only in Abu Dhabi.. so they might do it just for us

“Dubai could become like Holland, with everyone cycling everywhere. Sheikh Zayed Road could become the world’s longest, biggest cycle path.”