Friends of the Earth has urged Porsche to focus on developing cleaner models rather than challenging changes to the London congestion charge.

Porsche launched its High Court action against the London congestion charge last week. It believes the increase of the congestion charge from £8 a day to £25 is "unfair and disproportionate" and could result in an 11% drop in its sales in the UK.

A High Court decision on whether to allow it to proceed with the case is expected next week.

Tony Juniper, Friends of the Earth executive director, said: "Porsche has clearly misunderstood public opinion, since the majority of Londoners support an increased congestion charge for the most polluting vehicles.

“People are recognising the urgency of cutting carbon dioxide emissions and the producers of gas-guzzling vehicles have got to face facts. It's high time Porsche stopped fighting popular initiatives and started manufacturing cleaner vehicles."

The latest reaction from Friends of the Earth follows a previous statement from the organisation in February which said Porsche had "a vested interest in keeping polluting vehicles on the road".