KEY POINTS:
The ministerial car fleet will be spruced up to bring it more in line with the Government's climate change focus, but without any compromise on prestige.
The Government yesterday confirmed it would require new ministerial cars to adhere to the engine pollutants regulations of the European IV emissions standard.
A review of the fleet late last year by the Ministry of Transport found the change could potentially save 500 tonnes of carbon and $500,000 every 100,000km. Significant improvements in sustainability could be achieved without any compromise in performance, prestige or "fit for purpose' requirements", the review found.
Among the options for new chauffeur-driven vehicles are the Chrysler 300C diesel, Peugeot 607 and Skoda Superb. Self-drive ministerial cars are in the firing line: the review found that although some ministers had made responsible choices of self-drive cars, there were also "many less informed" choices.
