Driving is slowly becoming a greener option, as Ford's diesel engine production plant in Dagenham has saved 6,500 tonnes of CO2 a year, according to the US car manufacturer.
The announcement comes after French car maker Renault announced a new biotehanol model of its Megane range, indicating the increasing interest in green driving in the British market.
The installation of wind turbines at the plant over three years ago was seen as one of the main reasons for the carbon savings.
Ford Dagenham's eco-efficiency has earned it a nomination for the Business in the Community's national Awards for Excellence 2007, which will take place later this month and be attended by the Prince of Wales and US Vice President Al Gore.
The plant has been praised for reducing the environmental impact of producing vehicles for drivers.
"Not only are we minimising Dagenham's environmental impact, we are also helping the consumer," Stuart Burn, Ford technical specialist told Motortorque.
The plant's 3.6MW capacity turbines produce over 6,000,000 kWh of renewable electricity.
It is also estimated that its new eco-friendly approach is leading to £3.4 million in annual savings, due to a reduction of gas and electricity bills and more efficient methods of disposing of waste.
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