Eco rating scheme for used cars launched

Transport minister Sadiq Khan launched a green rating scheme today (3rd November 2009) that will give buyers a quick indication as to how green the used car they're looking at is.

Surveys have revealed that consumers are now well versed in the new car colour coding scheme, and more than 1,500 car dealers have already signed up to extending it to used cars. The label uses a 'traffic light' colour system to show a car's eco credentials, comprising its CO₂ emissions, VED tax band, and estimated fuel cost over 12,000 miles.

Dealers can choose to label cars registered from 1st March 2001, or limit the scheme to cars up to two years old - although to date over 97 percent of the 1,500 dealers on board have chosen the former. The AA supports the scheme too, with President Edmund King saying: "used car buyers are currently kept in the dark regarding fuel efficiency when looking at used cars on dealer's forecourts. With this launch they will be better informed about future running costs."

Mark Nichol