UK launches CO2 car-ranking website

The British government has set up a website designed to lure consumers towards buying the greenest cars available as the EU prepares to set binding caps on the amount of CO2 that new vehicles can emit.

The ”Best on CO2” website, launched by the UK’s Department for Transport on 31 July, aims to direct consumers to the cleanest car model within the vehicle category that they prefer, ranging from the ”super-mini” and family car categories to executive, 4×4, luxury and performance cars. 

The government hopes that 4×4 fans that check out the site may then decide to buy a Hyundai Santa Fe, which emits 191g/km, rather than a Toyota Land Cruiser, which will emit 238g/km, or that families will choose a Citoren C5 or a Peugeot 407, both emitting 140g/km, over a Volkswagen Passat Saloon, which emits 153 g/km. 

Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: “By choosing the car with the most fuel efficient engine in its class, drivers could reduce their engine CO2 emissions by 24% and potentially save a quarter on fuel costs. So the message is simple – the car you choose can help reduce your impact on the environment, and help save money.” 

Raising consumers’ awareness about the impact their choice of car can have on the environment and on their fuel consumption is seen as a necessity if the EU is to go ahead with plans to reduce average fleet emissions to under 120 grams per kilometre by 2012. 

Currently, drivers remain attached to certain types of car, viewed as more spacious, safer, more powerful or more luxurious, regardless of the quantity of CO2 emissions they spew out or how much fuel they guzzle. 

The EU still needs to decide how it will enforce its 120g/km target for cars sold in Europe, with some members of Parliament calling on an outright ban on cars continuing to emit more than 240g/km by 2015 (EURACTIV 26/06/07). 

MEPs and member states will examine the issue later this year and the Commission is expected to come up with detailed legislation at the beginning of next year. 

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