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A new database 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. It sounds incredible, but 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.
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.
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).
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 along with 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. www.businesslink.gov.uk/vanfueldata
The Government has already committed around £400 million of support to encourage development and uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles, through:
• £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
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 www.smmt.co.uk or hard copies can be requested from the SMMT press office.
