Industry views sought

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has opened consultation seeking feedback on options for displaying clean-vehicle information to consumers.

Earlier this year, the government introduced its policies for the clean car discount and standard that aim to reduce emissions from road transport, and support efforts to transition New Zealand to a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.

It says the policy changes will result in an overall lower emissions profile of cars brought into the country, improve importers’ registration information and introduce a feebate scheme, which imposes charges on high-emitting models and offers rebates to those buying vehicles with zero or very low emissions.

To help inform consumers when purchasing a vehicle, the government has decided the following information should be visible at the point of purchase:

• A vehicle’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in grams per kilometres.

• A star rating for the CO2 emissions.

• The monetary amount of any rebates or fees.

Currently, this information does not need to be made publicly available, putting the responsibility on consumers to undertake their own research before purchasing a vehicle.

MBIE is now seeking feedback on how this information should be displayed and outlines four possible options in its discussion document. 

If the proposal proceeds, it will result in amendments made to the Energy Efficiency (Vehicle Fuel Economy Labelling) Regulations 2007.

Visit MBIE’s have your say webpage to view the discussion document and how to make a submission. The consultation period closes at 5pm on December 23.