DEPARTMENT FOR
TRANSPORT News Release (069) issued by COI News Distribution Service
on 8 June 2009
Van buyers will
find it easier to cut emissions and save money due to a new van
CO2 data base launched by Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis today.
The online database - the biggest of its kind in Europe - has
been compiled by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), Society
of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and Department for
Transport (DfT). It allows users to search for new van models on
the UK market and compare their CO2 emissions and the fuel consumption.
Vans make up around 15% of road transport emissions in the UK and
their emissions are rising at the highest rate of any road
vehicle. If everybody buying a new van bought the most fuel
efficient model in its class the average buyer could save up to
17% on both CO2 emissions and fuel costs.
Launching the database at the Low Carbon Vehicle
Partnership's annual conference in London today, Transport
Secretary Andrew Adonis said:
"It's important to
help motoring consumers make the right choice, both for themselves
and for the environment.
"This database is good news for van buyers - it gives them
access to emissions and fuel consumption information that could
well shape the van they choose, as well as enable them to cut
emissions and save money.
"At a time when the Government is working hard to create a
stable financial environment to encourage long-term investment in
the motoring industry this tool is also good news for van
producers by stimulating interest and demand in the models they make."
Speaking on behalf of the industry, SMMT chief executive Paul
Everitt said:
"Van makers are all committed to providing information that
will help buyers make better informed choices and this database
provides a level playing field for easy comparison. We believe
that our efforts in assisting government departments compile this
information will not only impact positively on tailpipe CO2
emissions but will also help buyers select the most economical
vehicle they need for their business."
The database can be accessed on the Business Link website
alongside tips for van buyers on how to choose the right van for
their needs and how to save fuel costs from the way they use the vehicle
Notes to editors
1. The Van CO2 and Fuel Consumption database can be found here http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/vanfueldata.
Business Link provides information, advice, and support to start,
maintain, and to grow a business. Business Link can be accessed
online at businesslink.gov.uk or by calling the National Help Line
on 0845 600 9 006.
2. The online database has been compiled by the Vehicle
Certification Agency (VCA), Society of Motor Manufacturers and
Traders (SMMT) and funded by Department for Transport (DfT).
3. The database includes data for complete N1 (light goods
vehicles with gross vehicle weight below 3,500kg) type approved
vans currently on the UK market. Multi-stage builds and chassis
cabs are not included as type approval data is unavailable.
4. All vehicles sold on the UK market must adhere to EU type
approval legislation. A standard test cycle is used to determine
fuel consumption (urban and extra urban) and CO2 and air pollutant
exhaust emissions.
5. Vans make up around 15% of road transport emissions in the UK
and their emissions have increased by 331.9% since 1970, the
largest percentage increase by any road transport mode. They
contributed 3.6% of total UK CO2 emissions in 2006 in comparison
to 0.7% in 1970 and 1.8% in 1990. Sources - AEA Energy &
Environment/Defra (NAEI); Office for National Statistics
(Environmental Accounts)
6. The Government has already committed around £400 million of
support to encourage development and uptake of ultra-low emission
vehicles.
* £23 million for the TSB Low Carbon Vehicle
Innovation Platform - phase 1
* £100 million for the TSB Low
Carbon Vehicle Integrated Delivery Programme
* £20 million for
the DfT Low Carbon Vehicle Public Procurement Programme
* £250
million for the DfT EV consumer incentive package
7. The SMMT van buying and users guide, Right Van Man, giving top
ten tips on how to cut running costs and CO2 emissions from light
commercial vehicles by altering the way the vehicle is driven, can
be downloaded from the 'Industry reports' section of http://www.smmt.co.uk or hard
copies can be requested from the SMMT press office.
8. For more information on the UK motor industry, visit http://www.smmt.co.uk or http://www.motorindustryfacts.com.
9. Note to broadcasters: SMMT and DfT have their own ISDN studio
Public Enquiries: DfT 020 7944 8300; SMMT 020 7235 7000
DfT
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk; SMMT
Website: http://www.smmt.co.uk