Responsibilities of Manufacturers, Importers and Dealers

Cymraeg

EU Directive 1999/94/EC (as amended by 2003/73/EC) requires new car fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions data to be made freely available to consumers. Car dealers are required to have a label showing the fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of each different model on display, either on or near the vehicle. Fuel consumption figures will be expressed both in litres per 100 kilometres (l/100 km) and in miles per gallon (mpg). The label will list the figures achieved in urban, extra-urban and combined conditions separately (see section headed "Fuel Consumption Test" for more details on test conditions). From September 2005, dealers had the option to produce a new "comparative" label. The new label shows the mandatory Fuel Consumption and CO₂ figures mentioned previously, alongside information about the appropriate VED band for the vehicle. The new label is similar in design to the energy efficiency labels that appear on many 'white goods', such as fridge freezers (an example can be seen below). Please note that this new label format is not mandatory and is unlikely to become so in the immediate future.

Sample Comparative Label

A sample of the label is available on the VCA fuel consumption and emission figures website under the download section.  Other labels may be used but they must conform to the requirements outlined in The Passenger Car (Fuel Consumption and CO₂ Emissions Information) Regulations 2001.

Dealers are also required to display a poster – in paper or as an electronic display, in a prominent position, showing the fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions for all new passenger car models displayed, or offered for sale through that particular showroom. In addition to the above, the directive also requires manufacturers to include fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions data in all brochures and printed advertisements, provided that the literature relates to a specific model of car.  These requirements were implemented into UK law by The Passenger Car (Fuel Consumption and CO₂ emissions Information) Regulations 2001, which came into force on the 21st of November 2001.  These requirements do not apply in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Penalties

Failure to show fuel consumption labels on new cars on display, or to make available to potential buyers the results of the fuel consumption tests as listed in this booklet, render dealers liable on conviction to a fine of up to £5,000. The same penalty exists for anyone who does not include all the appropriate test results in promotional literature. Trading Standards enforce point of sale information and should be contacted if you have concerns in this area. The Vehicle Certification Agency enforce the provision of information in advertising and promotional literature. If you have concerns in this area please e-mail them to fuel@vca.gov.uk, or telephone 01179 515151.

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