Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has released figures demonstrating the level of fuel cost and CO2 emissions savings that consumers can make based on the energy labelling of the car they purchase.

The figures were released following the introduction of the new CO2 emissions based assessment system for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) and annual road tax, which came into effect on all new cars purchased from Tuesday 1 July.

To further inform consumers on the potential cost and CO2 emissions savings from their car purchase decision, SEI is directing consumers to their car rating website www.sei.ie/howcleanisyourcar where similar comparison figures are available.

The new energy label uses bands to indicate a car's energy performance where band 'A' signifies the lowest CO2 emitting cars which will attract reduced VRT and road tax rates with band 'G' indicating the highest CO2 emitting cars which will be liable for higher VRT and road tax rates. SEI's website provides these indications for all cars listed.

On average, new cars purchased in 2007 emitted 3.6 tonnes of CO2 per annum and cost the consumer €1,626 in fuel at today's prices. The "average" car in 2007 had a rating of 164g CO2/km and would be classified as 'D' under the new labelling scheme attracting annual road tax of €430.

From 1st July 2008, by purchasing an 'A' rated car, rather than the "average" car, consumers can make annual CO2 savings of between 0.85 and 1.1 tonnes depending on fuel type. The 'A' labelled car will also cost only €100 a year for road tax.

SEI's analysis of new private cars purchased in 2007 shows that 65% of CO2 emissions from new cars were from those that would fall into label categories 'D' to 'G' (i.e. greater than 156g CO2/km). Conversely, less than one per cent of cars purchased in 2007 fell into the 'A' label category or lowest emitting vehicles (i.e. less than 120g CO2/km).

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