Van manufacturers have promised to publish CO2 emissions figures for their vehicles, allowing buyers to make informed decisions regarding environmental issues.
John Lewis, director-general of the British Van Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), who has been campaigning for the publication of figures, says: "We understand that the SMMT is now in discussion with the Department for Transport (DfT) about publishing the emissions figures, probably via the Vehicle Certification Agency."
Van manufacturers have been required to register the CO2 emissions for all new vans since 1 January 2008 however, they have chosen not to publish the data for vans sold in the UK, unlike in Germany and some other European Union countries.
Concerns have already been raised by the SMMT about the way CO figures are derived, saying that elements such as body configuration, payload and vehicle weight can vary widely. and offer dramatically differing CO2 results when used with the same engine.