SMMT chooses Charles Barker for green PR work

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has appointed

Charles Barker BSMG to handle a five-month campaign highlighting the

potential for more environmentally-friendly car use.

Shandwick, Millbank, Ptarmigan and Countrywide Porter Novelli also

pitched for the account, which holds fees of around pounds 100,000 for

the five-month period.

Charles Barker will target the campaign particularly at young

people.

The agency aims to raise awareness of the new technology used in the

manufacture of the latest car models, which reduces fuel emissions.

It will also highlight the importance of regular maintenance of older

models to minimise pollution.

Daniel Ward, chairman of the society’s public affairs committee and

corporate affairs director at Japanese car manufacturer Nissan, said:

’The motor industry has invested a vast amount in technology to improve

air quality. There are some old cars which don’t have advanced

technologies and they count for almost half of pollution.

’The campaign will be saying that the industry is aware of the social

importance of air quality.’

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders uses Charles Barker every

two years to handle communications for the British International Motor

Show, held in Birmingham.

In addition the London Bureau and Two Ten Communications will work on

broadcast PR and press relations for this year’s show (PR Week, 29 May

1998).