CARS are believed to be producing 53 per cent of the carbon emission in Brunei, the highest emitters of carbon in the country.

The observation was made by the guest of honour, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (RTD) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud, the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office during the official launch of the NBT’s new Toyota Prius with Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The ceremony dubbed “Road to a Greener Brunei” was held at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club with esteemed guests and associates gracing the all-green event yesterday.

Commenting on the new automobile, the minister said it would help to reduce the percentage of carbon emission together with the monitoring of climate change in Brunei.

Managing Director ofNBT Brunei, Mr Ninan Chacko, opened the event with his speech, emphasising the roles we play in preserving the health of Mother Nature simply with the choices we make.

“We believe that as a responsible 21st century green motor company which is ISO 14001 (Environment Management System) certified, we have a moral obligation to contribute to a greener, cleaner and brighter
Brunei Darussalam,” said the Managing Director.

He added that the numbers are initially small, but NBT is determined to make a strong statement whenever the hybrid cars are on the roads. “Let me emphasise here, we are doing this, not for ourselves, but for our future generations,” he added.

Mr Chacko applauded the first fleet buyer, HSBC Brunei for sharing the green sentiments with the purchase of 13 units of Toyota Prius through their partner Jasra Car Rental Sdn Bhd.

In a true demonstration of its long-standing commitment to the environment, HSBC has exclusively chosen the new Prius for the bank’s senior management fleet.

Mr Ninan Chacko presented the mock key to Mr Tareq Mahmood, CEO of HSBC Brunei. Witnessing the handover was Pg Hj Ahmad Pg Jaya Negara Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, Director of Jasra Car Rental Sdn Bhd.
The new Prius combines the powers of a conventional 1.8-litre petrol engine and a nickel-metal hydride battery power electric motor. In simple term, the petrol engine kicks in only when it’s needed, leaving the electric motor to drive the rest of the way. The benefits of the Prius are that lesser fuel is used, less toxic gases emitted, more money saved and unforgettable driving experience.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive enables surplus energy generated by the petrol engine to be converted into electrical energy. This is then stored in the battery, which in turn powers the electric motor. Therefore, the electric motor powers the Prius at start-up, cruising or at a stop. And in hard acceleration, the petrol engine would kick in as an additional source of power.

The Toyota Prius cost $58,400 and the public can make appointments with sales representatives from NBT for test drives by contacting 2433777 or visit NBT showroom in Jalan Gadong.

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