USED CAR FUEL ECONOMY LABELLING SCHEME

Background

This voluntary, government-backed scheme to provide a colour-coded fuel efficiency label for used cars, builds on the successful version of the car fuel economy label which was launched in July 2005, and is now widely recognised.

Extending the existing new car scheme to cover used cars is intended to increase consumer, trade and media awareness of environmental performance in relation to cars, specifically their CO₂ and fuel consumption.

Cars up to two years old are covered, though dealers can choose to label stock older than two years as the VCA database goes back to 1 March 2001. Please see frequently asked questions (FAQs) for more details.

The initiative is being led by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, with support from the Department for Transport (DfT), the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (representing the motor industry) and the Retail Motor Industry Federation (representing dealers).

Note: Private sales are not covered by the scheme.

A Voluntary Approach

This is a voluntary initiative - so become a leader by being one of the 'early adopters' to sign-up. This will demonstrate to your customers your commitment to customer support and to the environment. It is very easy to sign-up online and there are no costs involved.

How

VCA is an agency of the Department for Transport and has been asked to supply a product to deliver used car labels to dealers in the required format. The product is web-based so users will simply require an Internet link and a colour printer. Dealers can register to use the system either individually or through their manufacturer (brand).

The Department for Transport has undertaken to fund the scheme for the first 18 months from the consumer launch, which took place 2nd November 2009. In addition, they have given a commitment to keep any ongoing costs after that point to a minimum for participating dealers.

Timing

The service is now available for use.

Interested?

If you are interested in taking part in the scheme, please visit the application by following the link at the bottom of this page, and follow the instructions for registering. Manufacturers wishing to register all of their franchised dealerships should contact us through the usual channels, or drop us a line to fuel@vca.gov.uk.

The key issues are addressed above, however, further frequently asked questions can be found here.

To download a blank label. please follow this link: Used car label spec (PDF 545.7KB)