VAUXHALL is distributing thousands of Z-Cards to fleet managers detailing carbon dioxide emission levels on its car line-up. Giving engine-by-engine CO2 figures for all models within its Tigra, Corsa, Astra, Zafira, Vectra, Omega and Frontera ranges, the Z-Cards are designed to be a reference point for fleet managers.

The move comes just days after the Association of Car Fleet Operators held a meeting involving vehicle manufacturers at which it called for CO2 vehicle information to be published in an easily comprehensible format as soon as possible. Graduated Vehicle Excise Duty and company car tax based on a vehicle's CO2 emissions are due to come into force in autumn 2000 and April 2002 respectively.

ACFO director Stewart Whyte, who was instrumental in organising the 'CO2 summit', congratulated Vauxhall on its move, saying: 'Given the lack of coherent information, this initiative is very much to be welcomed.' Last week Honda announced that before the end of this year, it would have published its own booklet detailing CO2 figures for all its models sold since 1997.

The company car tax changes will see vehicles purchased today and still on the road when the new scheme is introduced being taxed under both the present and the new systems. Vauxhall fleet marketing manager Keith Michaels said: 'Vauxhall believes that the estimated 60% of company car drivers who will be selecting their new vehicle, during this period should be provided with the necessary information now to allow them to make an informed decision on how their choice of vehicle is likely to affect their personal tax liability.' opies of the reference card can be obtained from Vauxhall's Call Centre on 0870 010 0651.