New resource for green motoring

Government website highlights less-polluting cars

30 July 2007 20:56 GMT / By Jonathan Goddard

The Government has launched a new website that gives consumers online information about the lowest CO2 emitting models on the market.

Launched at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) HQ in London, www.dft.gov.uk/ActOnCO2 lists the 10 lowest CO2 emitters by What Car? categories.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: “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”.

Car makers voluntarily signed up to colour-coded environmental labels, similar to the way energy efficiency is shown on white goods such as dishwashers or freezers, back in July 2005. Now displayed throughout new car showrooms, the label features green-to-red banding indicating the level of each car’s impact in the environment.

It also includes details of annual running costs through fuel duty and road tax. This makes car-by-car comparisons on CO2 and running costs easy and encourages the association between low carbon and low cost motoring for new car buyers.

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