January 6, 2009

The Department for Transport (DfT), has added a new search tool to their ACT ON CO2  website.  The index lists most new cars available in the UK and advises prospective buyers on their fuel efficiency and CO2  emissions.  The guide gives annual running costs on all current editions of each make and model: affording buyers all the facts before making their next purchase.
Transport Minister Andrew Adonis said:

"This campaign shows how the choices we make when buying a new car can have a big impact on future fuel costs and emissions, as well as the road tax we pay.

"By using the ACT ON CO2 search tool, buyers can choose the most fuel efficient cars and see the savings on the screen in front of them. I hope this will encourage individuals and businesses to look for an economical car whilst supporting the industry and stimulating widespread environmental change."

The index also includes details of the most fuel efficient cars in each category, which could see manufacturers vying for top spot as the site becomes more popular with motorists.  The system gives broad annual motoring costs, estimating a mileage of 1000 per month and including the VED rate for the cars.  When the selected car is viewed it’s possible to look at the top performers in it’s class and therefore possible to compare their prospective purchase with the best in class and weigh up if it’s still going to be their first choice.

The campaign reflects the government’s commitment to reduce fuel consumption and improve on efficiency as well as consistently lower emissions from all available areas.  It claims that car users could save as much as a third of the fuel costs annually by making a more informed choice of car with their next purchase.  The combination of more informed choice of car and better driving techniques could make a significant saving on a families transport outlay.

The ACT ON CO2 website also includes a number of tips for more frugal driving, which enable drivers to save money, reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. These are based around the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), guidelines, which include driving at an even speed wherever possible, not overloading car boots and keeping tyres pumped up. Wherever possible they advise keeping a close eye on what’s going on in front of you and anticipating what actions will need to be taken before they are.  This helps reducing fuel consumption as you won’t accelerate into a situation where you’ll need to stop.  In addition the site shows how to limit fuel wastage, by not leaving engines idling in traffic and not over revving.

Perhaps they’ll even start listing the Austin-Constant in there to illustrate how well the cars perform for the fuel they consume…

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