Demand for ‘green’ cars is at its highest ever level according to new research from Auto Trader, the UK’s no 1 motoring website and magazine.
New research from Auto Trader shows that over 50% (51%) of motorists are considering purchasing an environmentally-friendly car and 42% will ensure that their next car will have lower CO2 emissions than their current vehicle.
The survey, conducted amongst nearly 2,000 UK motorists, shows that for many motorists, the rising cost of fuel and vehicle tax is driving them to consider green cars that have better MPG and lower fuel emissions.
Green Vehicles: Cost Of Motoring:
According to the results, 70% of motorists would choose an environmentally friendly car over a standard one if the fuel economy was good, if the road tax/congestion charges were cheaper (62%) and if the performance of a ‘green’ car was as good as a standard car (60%).
Almost two thirds of motorists (63%) will consider the environmental impact when researching their next car, but price is still the most important factor for 85% of motorists. However, fuel consumption is also an important consideration for 77%, followed by the actual performance of the car (66%) and the level of CO2 emissions (42%).
Green Vehicles: Bio-Fuel Cars And Hybrid Vehicles:
Nearly 45% of motorists are currently considering purchasing a biofuel-capable car for their next vehicle and 40% are considering buying a hybrid. This highlights the shifting perceptions of drivers towards environmentally-friendly cars.
Matt Thompson, Group Marketing Director at Auto Trader, comments: “It’s no surprise that more British motorists than ever before are seriously considering alternatively fuelled vehicles for their next car.
“It is important that manufacturers recognise the shifting demands of motorists and respond accordingly with low emission, high MPG vehicles in a low tax band.
“We have created a whole section on AutoTrader.co.uk dedicated to green cars, which gives advice, news and features including the best green cars to suit every budget. Take a look through our advice on green cars at Auto Trader.”
Green Cars: Vehicle Manufacturers:
In terms of which car manufacturer consumers associate with green motoring, Toyota came out on top, with 26% of motorists favouring the brand, followed by:
- Honda (20%)
- BMW (9%)
- Volkswagen (6%)
- Lexus (3%)
However, 40% of motorists do not feel that manufacturers are doing enough to ensure more green cars are made, with 30% believing they could do more. Nearly 45% do not feel that the Government is doing enough either, with a quarter saying that the Government is doing enough, but could do more. However, over 60% of motorists (61%) do not believe that the Government should penalise driver’s of ‘gas guzzlers’ more via high taxes, to encourage the use of green driving.
Six of the best tax-free cars according to Auto Trader:
Ford Fiesta ECOnetic
Price: £11,595
The three-door Ford Fiesta 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi emits 98g/km of CO2 and has an average fuel consumption figure of 76.3mpg.
Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion
Price: £12,093 – £13,478
The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion was one of the first green cars made available in the UK and is still one of the most frugal – with 99g/km CO2 emissions and an average fuel consumption figure of 74.3mpg.
Smart Fortwo CDi
Price: £7,748
It boasts an average 83.1mpg, emits just 88g/km of CO2 and falls into insurance group 2.
Toyota iQ
Price: £9,295 – £11,495
The entry-level model includes 15-inch alloy wheels, electric mirrors, privacy glass, steering wheel-mounted CD controls, air-con, a trip computer and a leather steering wheel.
Seat Ibiza Ecomotive
Price: £10,765 – £11,380
The Seat Ibiza Ecomotive emits 99g/km of CO2 emissions and can run for a combined 74.3mpg.
The stylish supermini can also go from 0-60mph in 12.8 seconds, has a top speed of 109mph and falls into insurance group 5.
Tesla Roadster
Price: £81,000
Capable of more than 125mph, the Tesla Roadster goes from a 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and is the fastest electric road car currently on sale. With an €89,000 price tag (£81,000) and limited production run of 250, the Roadster arrives on UK shores in May 2009.
Auto Trader is the world of cars made easy – from new and used cars to insurance and finance, along with advice and solutions to help reduce the cost of motoring.
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Notes to Editor:
• Auto Trader is the UK’s no 1 motoring website and magazine, with over 10.3 million monthly unique users, who carry out over 106 million searches on new and used vehicles*. Auto Trader also publishes 12 regional magazines across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The brand is building a competitive position across all effective channels including the online, magazine and mobile. (*Source: Auto Trader Audit, January 2009).
• Auto Trader is owned by Trader Media Group, one of Europe’s largest specialist multi-media groups and provider of market leading websites and their associated magazines, including Top Marques, Bike Trader, Truck & Plant Trader, Ad Trader, Motorhome and Caravan Trader, Farmers Trader – all with the largest reach in their sectors, through web visitors and magazine readership.
• Trader Media Group operates in the UK, Ireland, Italy and South Africa. The Group is looking to expand on its winning formula: giving trade customers the opportunity to choose all effective channels to market; building the service and relationship with dealers and manufacturers; and strengthening its portfolio of automotive and specialist classified titles.
• Trader Media Group is jointly owned by Guardian Media Group and Apax Partners
For further information, please contact:
Karen Hughes/Caroline Burnell
The Drum Consultancy
Tel: 020 7025 8044
Fax: 020 7025 8100
Email: karenh@thedrumconsultancy.co.uk
