Online tool provides useful comparison of LCV CO2 emissions

The BVRLA has launched a new CO2 tool on its website, enabling operators to compare the emissions of different vans.

This move follows a year-long campaign by the association, which has been calling on manufacturers to provide the information to prospective buyers. Van makers have now agreed to publish the data, but not until later in 2009, and the BVRLA has worked in conjunction with consultants at Clifford Thames to produce its own guide.

The new tool features drop-down menus that enable users to search by manufacturer, model, engine size and vehicle weight and compare the fuel consumption and emissions of different vans. Because emissions data for LCVs is not publically available in the UK, the information has been sourced from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority.

Although the tool does not give definitive data on all LCVs sold in the UK, the BVRLA hopes it will provide a useful aid for van operators until a comprehensive listing is published by the Vehicle Certification Agency next spring.

“We hope this online tool will fill some of the information vacuum faced by UK van buyers,” said Jay Parmar, the BVRLA’s Head of Legal Services.

“Our members tell us that fuel consumption and emissions have rapidly emerged as two of the top criteria when operators come to choose a van. However, we would recommend that buyers seek further advice to ensure that they are choosing the best vehicle for their needs.”

BVRLA members rent or lease nearly 320,000 LCVs, and this sector of the road transport market has grown rapidly over the last decade. Vans are now responsible for 11.5% of all UK transport emissions.

The new van CO2 tool can be accessed at bvrla.co.uk