AA welcomes release of NZ Energy Strategy

Media Release: 11 December 2006

AA welcomes release of NZ Energy Strategy

The AA welcomes the release today of the New Zealand Energy Strategy by the Government.

Key elements of the energy strategy include the introduction of renewable fuels as substitutes for petrol and diesel; improving the efficiency of the vehicle fleet through age/technology standards; improving consumer choice through vehicle efficiency information; and the introduction of plug-in electric vehicles.

Mike Noon, AA General Manager for Motoring Affairs, says “the AA has been in discussion with the government on all of these transport initiatives and it is great the strategy is now available for public debate.”

“Plug in electric vehicles are yet to arrive in New Zealand but we anticipate these will become far more common and have the potential to be very attractive for commuting trips.”

“The strategy begins to address the important issue of reducing emissions to ensure a sustainable future. We will continue to work with the government on the practicality of the strategy prior to the submission process closing in March.”

“If I was to identify one area we believe needs more emphasis, it would be fuel efficient driving training for Government fleet vehicle drivers. While the AA applauds the strategy’s move to increase the fuel efficiency of the Government fleet by purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles over time, this is only part of the answer and you do not change your fleet every day.”

“The AA would like to see a clear commitment from government to improve the fuel efficiency of the Government vehicle fleet through fuel efficient driver training for all government drivers. Driving in a fuel efficient manner reduces fuel consumption by between 10% and 30%, that is a considerable amount of fuel, cost and emissions - the savings are there and available today”

ENDS

© Scoop Media