GM Fuel Decal Raises the Bar

The Chevy Sonic, which goes on sale in March, will be the first car to carry the Ecologic badge.

As automakers turn to the environment as the next tool to promote their products, GM has raised the bar with its environmental sticker. 

This is a step up from the standard fuel consumption decals seen on new cars in Australia and the US and comes after GM realized that many potential buyers want information about the impact their purchase will have on the planet. . 

All 2013 Chevrolet vehicles sold in the US will have an Ecologic sticker affixed to the driver's side rear window explaining the vehicle's environmental impact throughout its life cycle. 

GM North America president Mark Reuss said last month at the Washington Auto Show that “customers want companies to be honest and transparent about their environmental efforts and sustainability goals, and rightly so.

The affixing of the Ecologic label to every Chevrolet vehicle is another way to showcase our commitment to protecting the environment.” The Chevy Sonic, which goes on sale in March, will be the first car to carry the Ecologic badge.

The sticker shows the environmental impact in three areas: 

Before the road - aspects related to the manufacture and assembly of the car. 

On the road, fuel-saving features such as advanced engine technology, aerodynamics, lightweight components or tires with low rolling resistance. 

After the road - what percentage by weight of the car can be disposed of at the end of its service life. 

The data will be verified by Two Tomorrows, an independent sustainability agency that reviews companies' environmental initiatives. Holden spokesman Sean Poppitt says there are "no plans" to bring the innovative label to Australia anytime soon.

“As is the case with all other GM products and initiatives, we will review them to see if they are suitable for this market, and never say never, because this is a very good idea,” he notes.