Industry News
DfT launches ‘Best on CO2’ online car guide
31st July 2007
The colour-coded environmental labels which first appeared in new car showrooms in July 2005 in a voluntary move by the SMMT have been bolstered by the launch today of a new addition to the Department for Transport’s ACT on CO2 website giving consumers information about the lowest CO2-emitting models in each segment of the new car market. Launched today at SMMT's (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) headquarters in central London, www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2 lists top 10 lowest CO2 emitters in 14 What Car? categories.
“We welcome this initiative,” commented Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. “Consumers need to make the connection between choosing the most CO2 efficient cars and lower cost motoring. They also need to be clear on the practical steps to be taken to limit their carbon footprint in action, whatever vehicle they drive.”
Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "Climate change affects everyone and everyone can make a contribution to tackling it. By choosing the car with the most fuel efficient engine in its class, drivers could reduce their engine CO2 emissions by 24 per cent and potentially save a quarter on fuel costs. So the message is simple - the car you choose can help reduce your impact on the environment, and help save money."
Steve Fowler, Editor of What Car? said: "These car rankings are exactly what consumers need to make an informed choice about the type of car to buy in order to minimise their fuel consumption, save money and help tackle climate change. Car buyers are making increasingly difficult choices about the cars they buy and these rankings will help them to include environmental factors when making that vital decision."
The Best on CO2 rankings were developed using emissions data from the Vehicle Certification Agency, the DfT Agency responsible for conducting the official tests to determine CO2 emissions from cars.
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