Cars need 25% better economy

All vehicles coming into New Zealand by 2015 will need to have 25 per cent better fuel efficiency than current models.

The target is part of a wide-ranging energy efficiency strategy released by the Government today.

Among a raft of goals, it aims to halve greenhouse gases emitted by vehicles through greater use of public transport and walking.

Energy efficiency spokeswoman and Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says all new and used vehicles will need much better fuel efficiency to help tackle climate change.

She says that will bring New Zealand into line with where Europe is now, and the Europeans have much better vehicles than those in New Zealand.

- NEWSTALK ZB