Porsche V. Hizzoner the Mayor

Stein X Leikanger
by Stein X Leikanger

Porsche reckons their UK sales are threatened by London's congestion charge hike, which will add £4k to the annual cost of Cap City Porker ownership. The Times Online reports that the Sultans of Stuttgart are giving the Mayor of London 14 days to respond to their protest before applying for a judicial review. Porsche argues that the extra congestion charge for cars in their emissions bracket is patently unfair, and not just to rich Yuppies. "Thousands of car owners driving a huge range of cars will be hit by a disproportionate tax," argues Andy Goss, managing director of Porsche Cars GB. "[It's]is clear will have a very limited effect on CO2 emissions." While not specifically playing the class warfare card, Mayor Livingston's office responded with predictable populist pap, weighing-in against the "tiny minority" driving high CO2 emitting automobiles in London. "No-one is allowed to throw their rubbish in the street and Porsche should not be allowed to impose gas-guzzling, polluting cars on Londoners who do not want them." So, off to the Old Bailey then…

Stein X Leikanger
Stein X Leikanger

Brand strategist and conceptualizer. Working with communicating premium brands for manufacturers around the world.

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  • BostonTeaParty BostonTeaParty on Feb 20, 2008

    brownie: what desired effect? an increase in journey times? slower speeds, no reduction in levels of vehicles on the road, hows that had a desired effect for london?

  • Brownie Brownie on Feb 20, 2008

    BostonTeaParty: Reduced congestion in the congestion zone.

  • Quasimondo Quasimondo on Feb 20, 2008

    The desired effect won't be the outcome achieved.

  • Brownie Brownie on Feb 20, 2008

    We shall see. I have no doubt it will suck for you as someone who drives through Manhattan regularly to get to the other side, and I feel bad for you, but I'm sorry to say that there aren't a lot of people in that boat. For the rest of us I have high hopes.

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