Government luxury BMWs exceed own energy targets

The Government agreement to purchase 34 luxury six cylinder BMWs over the next three years contravenes their own fuel efficiency standard for diesel vehicles as laid out in the Energy Efficiency Conservation Strategy, Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

“The Energy Efficiency Strategy sets out a target for diesel vehicles entering the country to use only six-and-a-half litres for every 100 kilometres travelled.

“These luxury cars use eight litres for every 100 kilometres travelled.

“The difference between this supposedly ‘greener’ vehicle fleet and the Government’s own standard is close to 22 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, each year

“If the Government expects individual New Zealanders to make positive changes in their lives to cut climate change emissions, they need to start taking their own responsibilities more seriously.

“It’s all very well to say that these gas-guzzlers are necessary for Members of Parliament, but I work similarly hard and am happy driving my 1300cc car which uses less than five litres for every 100 kilometres travelled.

“A few of these cars for state purposes might be acceptable for various occasions, but why do Ministers need such large luxury vehicles?

“The Government needs to be the change they want to see in the world. These vehicles don't convey anything about the reality of climate change upon us or the imminent end of cheap oil. They are sending entirely the wrong message to the rest of New Zealand.

“I encourage all Members of Parliament to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the global challenge of climate change and peak oil and to seriously consider the impacts of their own personal and daily transport options,” Ms Fitzsimons says.