Fuel Economy label for 2nd-hand cars

From October 2009, car dealerships selling nearly-new vehicles will be able to download fuel economy label for free from the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) website. By this time next year it is hoped 1200 dealers will have signed up and will be displaying labels on all vehicles at least up to two-years old (older at the dealers’ discretion).

With fuel prices rising and road and vehicle taxes now based on car emissions, drivers have much to gain by choosing the lowest carbon, lowest cost models
- Jonathan Murray, LowCVP Deputy Director

More than half of car buyers aware of fuel economy label

The majority (54%) of new car buyers are now aware of the colour-coded fuel economy label introduced in showrooms in 2005. The colour-coded fuel economy label was introduced to help car buyers make more informed decisions about their vehicle choice. It makes clear and explicit the link between lower emissions and lower running costs. Introduced as a voluntary initiative, the label is currently displayed by over 90% of new car dealerships.

When asked how important the label was in helping them choose the make and model of car, 71% of car buyers who were aware of the label said that it was important. The most valuable information elements are the cost of running the vehicle for a year (assumed to be 12,000 miles), fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Click to learn more about choosing a low mpg, low emissions car.