Smart Girls Choose Couture Over Congestion Charge

LONDON, August 23, 2007 --

Smart and savvy girls who want value for money and low environmental impact are welcoming the Mayor's proposed changes to the London Congestion Charging system.

These changes mean that motorists with cars that have very low C02 emissions, like the latest diesel-powered Ford Fiesta, will be able to drive in and out of London without paying the daily charge.

Lisa Snowdon, television presenter and model is pictured here in a unique couture 'money dress' made literally from the GBP2,000.00 she could be saving by driving a new Ford Fiesta diesel in the congestion charge zone next year. The 'money dress' designed by a student from the London College of Fashion comprises four hundred GBP5 notes.

"It is important to me to be aware of my carbon footprint and to keep motoring costs down. I'm a busy girl - in and out of London all the time - and so saving myself GBP2,000 on travel means more in my pocket for the good things in life - like a spending spree!" Lisa commented at the photoshoot today.

The Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi emits 119 g/km and the 1.6 TDCi 116 g/km and is priced from GBP9,295.00. Both engines passed the tough Euro IV emissions regulations and also qualify for a low yearly road tax levy of just GBP35.00, compared with up to GBP300 a year for bigger, less economical cars.

It is expected that the new price bands for the London Congestion Zone will commence in February 2008 and that approximately 25,000 small cars will be exempt from the charge.

Britain's best known and well loved car brand, Ford, is delighted that its diesel engined and iconic Fiesta is likely to be exempt from the London Congestion Charge next year.

"For commuters wanting to avoid the congestion charge and reduce C02 emissions, the Ford Fiesta is hard to beat. It's affordable, reliable and its incredible longevity is testament to the Ford design team who have constantly improved the car year to keep it fresh, appealing, and always in the UK's top 10", said Fiona Pargeter, Product Affairs Manager for Ford Motor Company.