Singapore's Land Transport Authority to take over fuel efficiency labeling of cars

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) will take over the fuel efficiency labeling of cars from the National Environment Agency (NEA) next year, a move that industry players believe could pave the way for an emission-based vehicle tax system in the future. An LTA spokesman told the Straits Times newspaper that the government “is undertaking a comprehensive review on measures to promote the adoption of green vehicles, as part of our efforts to promote sustainable development.” The fuel economy labeling scheme was launched two years ago by the NEA to raise awareness among consumers. The NEA made it mandatory for all new cars in showrooms to display this label. The LTA said taking over the fuel economy labeling of cars will streamline the vehicle type approval process for motor traders. “Type approval” refers to a process where the LTA inspects a new model before deciding whether to allow it to be sold in Singapore. “LTA will become a one-stop center for all vehicle type approval-related processes,” the spokesman said. (December 6, 2011)