F&I Management & Training

Dealers can now start labelling their used car stock with fuel economy labels ahead of the consumer launch for the new scheme in November.

Cars up to two years old will be covered by the scheme, though dealers can choose to label older stock back to March 1, 2001, if they wish. Private sales are not covered by the scheme.

The colour-coded Used Car Fuel Economy Label includes information on carbon dioxide emissions, estimated fuel cost over 12,000 miles and miles per gallon (when the car was new).

Dealer participation is free and used car dealers can sign-up and become familiar with the labelling process by visiting

http://www.vca.gov.uk/fcb/used-car-labelling.asp.

The used car label is a voluntary initiative developed by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) with support from the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the Government.

Its online database has been created and is being run by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), with the full support of the Department for Transport.

Chris Brown, stakeholder relations manager for the LowCVP, said: “We’re aiming for a strong launch in November and hope as many dealers as possible will be on-board with the scheme by then.

“Over the past year car dealers and the VCA have noted increasing requests for information on the environmental performance of used cars. Dealers who display the used car label on their stock will be demonstrating their customer focus and commitment to industry best practice.”

Steve Latham, operations manager for RMIF says, “The RMIF supports the new ‘Used Car CO2 labelling’ programme as it better informs retail customers about used car running costs.

"Therefore the RMIF urges all used car dealers to sign up to this scheme.”

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive of the SMMT, said: "Consumer choice is vital to the reduction of road transport emissions. By extending the successful new car label scheme into the used car market, buyers will be able to accurately compare vehicles and make an informed decision at the point of sale."

DATED: 06.08.09

FEED: AM