The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) has been renamed as Zemo Partnership to highlight the fact that UK road transport emissions will have to be zero by 2050.

The rebranding of LowCVP to Zemo Partnership embraces the new 2050 net zero target

The non-profit, government-linked organisation was set up in 2003 to accelerate a sustainable shift to lower carbon, cleaner vehicles and fuels.

The new name embraces the new 2050 net zero target and is intended to provide a “direct and powerful demonstration that the world has changed and that the climate emergency means that ‘low’ is no longer enough”.

Managing director Andy Eastlake said: “In 2020, over 10% of all new cars sold were ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs), surpassing the target set out at the LowCVP’s inception in 2003.

“But today low is no longer enough and we must reset our targets, roll up our sleeves and focus on the road to zero.

“Re-born, as Zemo Partnership, we are strengthening our commitment to make change happen faster and accelerate the transport transition to zero emissions.”

To support the new branding, a Zemo Partnership website, visual identity and other communications materials are being launched.

Zemo Partnership’s 200+ member organisations will also be asked to commit to a new ‘Partnership Charter’ supporting the objective of accelerating the transition in transport to zero emissions.

Later this year, a new ‘Zemo Acceleration Programme’ of stand-out initiatives will be announced to demonstrate Zemo Partnership’s purpose and positioning to all stakeholders.

The move was welcomed by Zemo member, the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA). Chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “This rebrand signifies more than a name change. It reflects our collective commitment to driving the decarbonisation of road transport and delivering the UK’s zero-emission goals. Zemo Partnership will ensure that the great work done under LowCVP during the past two decades is continued with the fundamental step-change of focusing on zero emission. An essential shift to remain fit-for-purpose in the decades ahead.