Van makers to publish CO2 emissions figures
10/06/2008
Van manufacturing firms have promised to make the CO2 emissions for the vehicles they produce available to buyers so that they know how environmentally friendly their potential purchase is.
Since January 1st this year, it has been compulsory for makers to register the carbon emissions of all new vans.
Van insurance customers may be interested to know that many companies have chosen not to publish the figures for vans that are sold in the UK but do so in other European countries such as Germany.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has highlighted that factors such as vehicle weight, body configuration and the payload can give differing CO2 levels for the same van.
John Lewis, director general at the British Van Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), told RoadTransport.com: "We understand that the SMMT is now in discussion with the Department for Transport about publishing the emissions figures, probably via the Vehicle Certification Agency."
Meanwhile, a recent survey by CAR magazine found that three-quarters of drivers claim they will not change their car-buying habits as a result of the road tax increases announced in this year's Budget.
In a poll of over 1,000 drivers, 76 per cent said they would still buy a high-polluting car, despite the highest charge for these rising to £950 a year.
Drivers reasoned that the increased car tax was still just "a financial drop in the ocean" when looked at in terms of the overall cost of the car over its lifetime.
Chancellor Alistair Darling announced changes to the UK motoring tax system in March and revealed that there will be a new scale of charges that penalise the most polluting vehicles.
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