Motorpoint miles ahead of forthcoming CO2 law

Following the recent proposal by the European Commission to introduce legislation to cut the emissions of the average car to 130g of CO2 per kilometre by 2012, Motorpoint, the UK’s largest car supermarket, has taken the unique step of introducing a revised information sticker on the windscreen of every vehicle for sale, which clearly highlights the level of CO2 emissions.

As the interest grows amongst consumers to reduce their carbon footprint, a greater number of buyers are now paying more attention to the level of CO2 emissions when looking for a new car. This was echoed in a recent poll conducted by the retailer, which revealed that 65% of customers would buy a vehicle because of its green credentials. Prior to making a purchase from any of the Motorpoint’s sites in the UK, customers may also view the output of CO2 for any car or commercial vehicle on the retailer’s award-winning website (www.motorpoint.co.uk), which will also determine the equivalent band for the annual tax.

Furthermore, Motorpoint is looking to once again set the benchmark in the auto retail sector, by considering becoming the first car supermarket group to offer bio-fuel- powered vehicles for sale across their five sites in the UK. Flexi-fuel vehicles which can operate on either regular fuel or fuel with a bio-ethanol content, are becoming more widely available and offer a significant net reduction in CO2 emissions depending on the biomass. With trends pointing to more bio-ethanol pumps in the UK, it is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to vehicles powered by conventional fuel sources.

David Shelton, Managing Director of Motorpoint explains: “We have recognised that there is a growing concern about the level of CO2 emissions when purchasing a vehicle. Whilst we respond to existing market forces and trends, it is equally important to raise awareness, and give the consumer as much choice as possible regarding the potential effect on the surrounding environment. Everyone can make a greater contribution, and the new information tool which will better inform the customer will help to achieve this.”