The German Öko-Trend environmental research institute has awarded its automotive environmental certificate to the smart fortwo micro hybrid drive (mhd). The vehicle scored top marks for all environment-related criteria, and according to the institute’s findings the 52 kW (71 hp) gasoline-engine variant, which has been available since October 2007, achieved excellent ratings in terms of fuel consumption and exhaust and noise emissions. The manufacturer’s ecological credentials were also found to be exemplary with regard to production, logistics, recycling, and environmental management.

The institute particularly praised the start/stop function, which “works smoothly in practice, cuts consumption, and enables drivers to enjoy a quiet atmosphere when the car is stationary.”

Öko-Trend insists that vehicles achieve at least 90% of the maximum results possible before a certificate can be issued. The institute was established in 1995 as a spinoff of the Bergische Universität Wuppertal.