Car buyers can find out how 'green' their used vehicle is under a new scheme
Car buyers will be able to find out just how "green" and economical their used vehicle is under a newly-launched colour-coded label scheme.
The plan will involve dealers being able to give vital vehicle running costs information to consumers about cars dating back to March 2001.
The labels provide easy-to-read information on a car's make and model along with its CO2 emissions, estimated fuel costs over 12,000 miles and miles per gallon.
Launching the scheme, which follows a similar label system for new cars, Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said: "Running costs and environmental performance are increasingly important to new and used car buyers. I am therefore delighted that the new car label is now joined by a similar used car label.
"This will give people the information they need to make the right purchase for themselves and the smart purchase for the environment.
"I hope as many dealers as possible will participate and I encourage used car buyers to look out for the label when they consider what to buy."
The scheme, which is voluntary, has been developed by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) with support from the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Government.
LowCVP managing director Greg Archer said "As many as 94% of dealers now display the new car label, while 71% of car buyers say the label is important in informing their choice of car. The introduction of the used car label now extends this information to used car buyers."
The used car label has been warmly welcomed by both the AA and What Car? magazine.
AA president Edmund King said it would end a situation in which car buyers had been "kept in the dark regarding fuel efficiency".
