Thanks to its widespread use and low emissions, the Ford ECOnetic lineup of cars, which are focused on low CO₂ emissions, got an OekoGlobe 2008 award in Germany. The award, given in the category of "mass produced car," was designed by environmental artist HA Schult. The ceremony took place at the DEVK insurance building in Cologne, Germany. Ford started its lineup of ECOnetic cars last February and the name is derived from ECOlogy and kiNETIC, the design theme that Ford is using for its latest creations. The first model to spot this label was the Focus, with a 1.6-liter diesel engine, a diesel particulate filter (DPF), fuel consumption of 4.3 l/100 km (55 mpg U.S.) and CO₂ emissions of 115 g/km. There's also a Ford Mondeo ECOnetic that emits 139 g/km and an upcoming Fiesta spotting 98 g/km. This is not the first time Ford has won this award; last year the company won thanks to its flex-fuel powertrains.

[Source: Ford Germany]

British environmental site Whatgreencar has decided that nary a hybrid nor a tiny car should win their Car of the Year award. Instead, they chose the Econetic version of the Ford Focus. The Focus Econetic sports improved aerodynamics, engine lubrication and low rolling resistance tires to reduce fuel consumption. Whatgreencar's ratings range from 0 for the greenest vehicles to 100 for the most polluting and the Focus won with 33 points. Why? The 1.6-liter diesel, co-developed with PSA, produces 110 HP and still manages to make 65.6 mpg IMP (that's 4.3 l/100 km or 55 mpg U.S.), which leads to emissions of just 115 g/km of CO₂. Those emissions place the car between the Toyota Prius and the Peugeot 107/Citroën C1/Toyota Aygo 1.0-liter gasoline triplets. Find the complete press release after the jump.

[Source: Whatgreencar?]

As fun as it would be, we can't be at every green car show on the planet. One of the current events we're sad to be missing is the Eden Project's Sexy Green Car Show in the UK. Thankfully, there are plenty of photos and videos streaming our way to make us feel like we're part of the action.

Over on Smart Planet, Adam Vaughan has posted a series of photos and a video report from the show. He snapped pics of the Morgan LifeCar (above, more available here) and the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel, among others. His three-minute video covers the Axon, Saab Biohybrid, Lotus Tri-Fuel and Ford Econetic. If Smart Planet's coverage isn't enough for you, check out this BBC video or, if you're lucky enough to be near Cornwall before the month is up, go visit the Sexy Green Car Show for yourself.

[Source: Smart Planet, BBC, h/t to Adam]

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic

Think you know how to wring every last centimeter of distance out of the energy in your car's tank? Ford is ready for you to prove what you've got through the "Ford ECOnetic Smart Driving Challenge," which was announced today at the Eden Project's "Sexy Green Car Show." The test won't rely on your handwritten records of how much fuel you've purchased over the past year and compared it to your odometer. Instead, in a convenient bit of advertising, Ford will bring models from the Ford ECOnetic range around the UK this summer for six "regional smart driving events." See the full schedule after the break.

The six events will be made up of three parts. The 200 selected participants will be tested on their fuel consumption and CO₂ output in two rounds. Between the two, Ford and the Energy Saving Trust will provide greener driving tips. Regional winners will win a loan of a 1.6-litre Ford Focus ECOnetic and the overall winner gets an eco makeover for their home worth £10,000.