However, the numbers that sellers make available, both in catalogs and in stands, do not show the exact reality. According to DECO, those consumers who usually record consumption averages easily notice these differences.

“The more a car consumes, the greater the emissions of CO2 and other hazardous substances. Without forgetting that, according to data from the Portuguese Environment Agency, maritime and air transport contribute to the emission of pollution to the planet”, DECO said. That's why the European Union (EU) has an even stricter set of requirements for new vehicles.

Furthermore, to support consumers in their choices, the EU created the MILE 21 platform (More Information Less Emissions, Empowering Consumers for a Greener 21st Century'), which is a collaborative database project in which consumers can register the consumption of their car. In addition, they can have access to the values recorded by other drivers, as well as the carbon emissions of new and second-hand cars.

“Thanks to the MILE21 platform, consumers will have the opportunity to look up and compare the real fuel consumption and emissions values for a wide range of car models sold in the EU”, reads their website.

“The data recorded through the platform provides accurate information on the real fuel consumption of vehicles and their emissions. This information will help consumers make well-informed purchasing decisions based on that data. At the same time, it will serve for the authorities to evaluate the results and influence future decisions”, they said.

Finally, the MILE21 platform sheds light on how to save fuel. “The first phase of the project is already completed”, said DECO, adding that the project database is ready and open to everyone. “The more consumers add information to this platform, the more useful it will be for everyone else”, they concluded.

For further information, please see DECO’s website, call 289 863 103 or email deco.algarve@deco.pt

Author

Paula Martins is a fully qualified journalist, who finds writing a means of self-expression. She studied Journalism and Communication at University of Coimbra and recently Law in the Algarve. Press card: 8252

Paula Martins