FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the scheme's objectives?

Extending the existing new car label to cover used cars is intended to increase overall consumer, trade and media awareness and understanding of the environmental performance of cars, specifically their CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption.

What demand is there for a used car labelling scheme?

In 2007, 2.4 million new cars were sold in the UK, compared to 7.1 million used cars. Of the 7.1 million, 989,000 (14.9%) were 0-2 year-old cars .

Consumer queries to the VCA indicate increasing levels of interest in CO₂ and fuel consumption data within the used car market. The RMIF report an increasing number of members are being asked about the environmental performance of cars they are selling.

What age cars will be covered by the scheme

Cars up to two years old will be covered.

In addition, participating dealers can choose to label stock older than two years as well. Where a dealer chooses to do this (eg. chooses to label cars up to 3 or 4 years old), the proviso is that all such stock must be labelled (ie. not just lower emitting cars).

What information will be provided on the label?

The label will display the vehicle:

Registration number
First registration date
Make
Fuel consumption figures
Yearly fuel cost
VED banding relating to CO₂ emissions

What size is the label and where should I display the label?

The used car label is designed to be printed in colour and be A4 in size. To be consistent with the new car labelling system we suggest dealers display the label in a clearly visible manner on or near to the car to which it applies. On occasions it may be necessary to produce an A5 or landscape version of the label where an A4 version cannot be accommodated. However, to build on consumer recognition of the new label, we suggest that this be the exception rather than the rule.

Is the scheme only applicable to RMIF members?

No. All used cars dealers are welcome to take part in the scheme, regardless of whether they are RMIF members.

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