In a new move to raise consumer awareness about the energy efficiency of vehicles, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has asked all vehicle agents and dealers across Qatar to post fuel efficiency labels from 2017 models onwards.
The label determines the vehicle’s fuel efficiency based on fuel economy measures. The fuel economy of a vehicle is the distance travelled per unit volume of fuel consumed, which is the distance travelled in kilometers per 1 liter of fuel consumed.
“The display of fuel efficiency labels aims to raise consumer awareness about the energy efficiency of each vehicle, enabling the client to make informed decisions about which vehicle to purchase and how to reduce fuel consumption,” the ministry said yesterday.
The fuel efficiency label includes information on the manufacturer, model year, production year, engine capacity, vehicle category, fuel economy rating (from excellent to very poor), fuel economy index and fuel type. The Ministry said that agents and dealers should post fuel efficiency labels on vehicles and refrain from removing the stickers before selling the vehicle.
Dealers and agents are required to brief clients on vehicle’s fuel efficiency, in line with the GCC Standardization Organization general requirements (decision number 42 of 2015) for motor vehicles, which stipulates the need to display the fuel efficiency label as part of the GCC Conformity Certificate for Motor Vehicle.
The Ministry warned that it will intensify inspection campaigns to ensure the compliance of agents and dealers, and will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to competent authorities, who will in turn take appropriate action against perpetrators in order to protect consumer rights.
Several consumers hailed the ministry move saying it will help consumers make the right decisions while purchasing cars taking into account the fuel efficiency. “Fuel efficiency is not a major concern for consumers here, probably due to the low fuel prices. With the new move, people would become more aware of fuel consumption and go for smaller cars with higher fuel efficiency.
This would also encourage manufactures to introduce new models with higher fuel efficiency,” said an expatriate.
