Fuel economy website launched

A new internet site giving motorists up-to-date information on their vehicles' fuel consumption was unveiled at Parliament today.

Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven said the website would help people make informed choices about the fuel efficiency and running costs of their cars, or ones they were thinking about buying.

The Fuelsaver website allows people to choose the make of car they drive, add in their driving habits and other factors, and gives an estimate of weekly, monthly or annual fuel costs.

"The impetus for developing Fuelsaver was to encourage people to consider fuel consumption as an influencing factor when buying a car," Mr Duynhoven said at the launch ceremony on Parliament's forecourt, where a mock car yard was set up.

"In a climate of high fuel prices, this information can help people save money on vehicle running costs, while benefiting the environment."

The website has fuel efficiency information on light duty vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes including cars, 4WDs, SUVs, vans and utility vehicles.

The site lists new vehicles and used vehicles manufactured since January 2000 and imported into New Zealand from Japan since 2005.

It provides:

* A cost calculator to estimate the fuel running cost of a vehicle and comparable vehicles -- fuel consumption will depend on the vehicle type, fuel price and average distance travelled.

* A function to compare fuel running costs vehicle to vehicle.

* Information and advice on fuel-saving driving techniques.

The website - www.fuelsaver.govt.nz - was developed by the Ministry of Transport and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

- NZPA