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New standard for fuel economy proposed ANOTHER step towards New Zealand becoming a sustainable nation has been taken with the release of a discussion document on a Vehicle Fuel Economy Standard for all new and used light vehicles entering the fleet.The proposals aim at setting an appropriate standard to improve the fuel economy of vehicles entering New Zealand and in doing so will reduce both harmful emissions and New Zealanders' use of fuel. The discussion document seeks public feedback on a range of implementation options that would apply to all new and used passenger and light goods vehicles being introduced to the New Zealand fleet. "The light vehicle fleet makes up 93 per cent of New Zealand's total vehicle fleet. In 2005, road transport represented 16 per cent of New Zealand's total greenhouse gas emissions," said Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard. The proposed standard is one of a range of Government initiatives, including the Emissions Trading Scheme and the fuel economy (star-rating) labelling scheme, that aim to deliver fuel economy and emission improvements while ensuring vehicle choice and availability is maintained for consumers. The fuel economy standard should influence importers and consumers to buy vehicles with better fuel economy. "This will also help us to achieve our New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy emissions target of 170g of CO2/km by 2015 for light vehicles entering the fleet." "The current average fuel economy of light vehicles entering New Zealand is about 210g of CO2 /km. Without further intervention, such as this proposed standard, we can expect this figure to fall well short of our target." "This Standard will contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions, and help move us closer to a sustainable transport system for all New Zealanders. Further, by purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles, and driving and maintaining them well, New Zealanders will benefit from reduced running costs." The full discussion document and submission forms are available on the Ministry of Transport's website www.transport.govt.nz. Submissions close on March 28, 2008. |
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