The Government is aiming to introduce mandatory fuel economy ratings for cars by the middle of next year, Climate Change Minister David Parker says.
Mr Parker today released a discussion document on options for a fuel economy labelling scheme.
The proposed scheme will be put in place atnew and used car yards, which are registered motor vehicle dealers, and cover all cars for which fuel efficiency information is available.
Consideration is also being given to extending the scheme to cover internet sales.
Mr Parker said vehicles were a major contributor to New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions.
"Providing consumers with better information will mean that they can choose more fuel efficient cars, which will also save them money at the pump.
"Encouraging people to buy vehicles that use less fuel will also help us reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change."
Options for the labelling include:
* Displaying fuel costs associated with running a vehicle;
* Displaying litres used per 100km;
* A star rating similar to that already in place for household appliances.
Mr Parker said to start with efficiency information would be available for all new cars and most late model used cars.
Information gaps would be filled in over time so that eventually all cars were covered.
The labelling scheme is part of a suite a proposed measures to cut transport emissions.
The Government has also floated restricting the age of second-hand imported vehicles.
Mr Parker has said if Government did not make changes, transport emissions would grow by 45 per cent by 2030.
The labelling scheme would not apply to vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes.
