Volkswagen is targeting visitors at National Trust properties with its eco-friendly marketing for its Polo Bluemotion.

The carmaker has been holding a series of roadshows at National Trust properties across the UK, demonstrating to visitors how best to minimise their impact on the environment by making changes to their vehicle and driving style.

The roadshows have so far covered North Yorkshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and Wiltshire. Two further events are scheduled at Lanhydrock in Cornwall (21-23 September) and Polesden Lacey in Surrey (28-30 September).

At each location, Volkswagen staff check drivers’ cars and offer advice on how to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. Tips include checking tyre pressures; reducing a car’s weight; smoother driving; cutting down on in-car electrical systems; and regular servicing to ensure optimum performance.

Visitors can also test drive Volkswagen’s new Polo BlueMotion, which achieves 74.3 mpg, and a 99g/km CO2.

Rob Jarman, head of sustainability at The National Trust, says: “The National Trust hopes that people can enjoy the amazing natural beauty and historic interest of our sites whilst causing minimum damage to the environment in the process.

"Our ideal is for people to enjoy our properties whilst using minimum fuel and this is the first step towards achieving this ideal as it will at least help our visitors to reduce their emissions, aid our work on preventing pollution and climate change, while conserving our national heritage.”