News

A new database for van CO2 emission ratings and fuel consumption has been launched in conjunction with the Vehicle Certification Agency, the SMMT and the Department for Transport.

The database covers light CVs up to 3.5 tonnes and enables the user to search by weight.  Four-wheel drives and pickups are included, although multi-stage builds and chassis-cabs are not as type approval data is unavailable.

Transport secretary Andrew Adonis says: "The 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."

The British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has welcomed the publication. BVLA chief executive John Lewis comments: "Vans are one of the fastest growing sectors in the road transport industry. The long-awaited information will be immensely valuable to fleet operators across the UK."

Lewis says that while publishing CO2 and fuel consumption data for vans is of benefit to the operator, he believes manufacturers should have consulted customers about the best way of presenting the data; the most notable  omission is payload.

"It would be nice to have a CO2 database that extended all the way up to 7.5-tonne vehicles, but we need to be realistic about our demands," he adds. "There are so many vehicle configurations and variables to take into account when it comes to supplying valid, reliable data for this end of the van market."

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt says: "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."

The database can be found at www.businesslink.gov.uk/vanfueldata/