Van buyers will find it easier to cut emissions and save money following the launch of a new van CO2 database.
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.
Launching the database at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s annual conference in London this week, the government's 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
Welcoming the long-awaited publication of essential van CO2 data, chief executive of BVRLA John Lewis said: “Vans are one of the fastest-growing sectors of the road transport industry. This long awaited information will be immensely valuable to fleet operators across the UK, helping them to save on fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint. It is a shame that we have had to push so hard on behalf of van users over the past 18 months to get it.
“It is also regrettable that van makers chose not to consult with their customers about the best way of presenting the data. For example, it would be very useful to have payload information on this online database.”
The association has now removed its own van CO2 guide from the BVRLA website and replaced it with a link to the new database.
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