Choosing and using a motor vehicle can be one of the most important steps individuals or organisations make in their sustainability journey. Manufacturers are releasing ever more fuel efficient and lower emission vehicles. 

Choosing a vehicle
Is an important starting point and needs to include factor such as:
- What will the vehicle be used for and what will its utilisation be?
- Fuel economy
- Emissions
- Safety

Hybrid and other low emission vehicles
There is an increasing range of fuel efficient and low emission vehicles on the market. Hybrid cars are now mainstream technology and have been on the market for around 10 years. See the Honda and Toyota websites for more information about hybrid cars available in New Zealand. www.honda.co.nz www.toyota.co.nz



Choosing a fuel type
Driving for sustainability is all about adopting behaviours that contribute to using less fuel.
- Keep your vehicle serviced as per the manufacturer recommendation.
- Keep your tyres properly inflated and check fortnightly
- Remove excess load and obstructions like roof racks.
- Plan your journey or look for an alternative.
- Look ahead and avoid harsh braking.
- Don?t idle for more than 30 seconds.

The EECA 7 habits of highly efficient drivers. 

1. Avoid unnecessary driving
2. Drive with a smile
3. Remember your maintenance obligations
4. Keep vehicle loads to a minimum
5. Turn off the extras
6. Turn off if idling >30 seconds
7. Choose the right vehicle for the job
For more information from EECA on fule efficency see: http://www.energywise.org.nz/yourtravel/7-habits.html

GreenFleet Tip
Encouraging staff to regularly check tyre pressures and reduce idling are simple ways to help improve air quality and improve fuel efficiency.

How can GreenFleet help?
GreenFleet Sustainable Driver Training gives staff the skills and techniques to save fuel and reduce emissions while they are out on the road. This workshop is well established and has been successfully developed in conjunction with Christchurch based First Direct Taxis. First Direct are progressively putting their Eco Cab drivers through the workshop as a major part of their sustainability programme.
Auckland based ecodriver also offer training in fuel efficient driving. mswhittaker@clear.net.nz

Fuel  economy information.
NZ Government sites www.rightcar.govt.nz and www.fuelsaver.govt.nz provide fuel and safety information on a wide range of new and used vehicles in New Zealand.

The Energywise Rally
The Energywise Rally shows motorists how they can slash their fuel bills by choosing a fuel-efficient car and driving it in a fuel efficient manner. Competitors hey were put to the test with a combination of driving on motorways, unsealed roads, rural state highways, and in peak-hour city congestion. The AA Energywise Rally is held every two years and is jointly organised by the AA, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), and Gull Petroleum New Zealand. The Supreme Winner is the vehicle that cost the least to run over the whole rally including fuel and road user charges. In 2006 and 2008, the winner was the Honda Civic Hybrid. It cost $111.72 to complete the 1641km rally in 2008.For full results see: http://www.aa.co.nz/about/events/AAenergywiserally/Pages/default.aspx