Green issues grow in consumer minds

Environmental concerns are more important to motorists considering buying a car than they were last year.

According to a survey commissioned by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) and the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), 50% of respondents said going green was more important than before.

Running costs were also more important than before according to 43% of respondents.

To help drivers identify the most efficient environmentally friendly cars available, a new car environmental label is now in use at all new car dealerships. This enables showroom visitors to instantly see which new cars have the lowest emissions, running costs and longest electric range, making it easier to compare and find the new car most suitable for them.

Jason Doran, head of marketing at the LowCVP, said: “It’s very understandable that motorists now have a desire for more efficient, environmentally friendly new cars that cost less to run with very low or zero emissions. They may however be surprised just what a difference this can make: a typical petrol car might cost around £95 per month in fuel, whereas a pure electric car only £26. That’s a saving of over £800 a year, all with zero tailpipe emissions. All this information and more is now very clearly shown on the redesigned new car environmental label.”

Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA, said: “With the increasing importance of running costs and environmental friendliness, it is crucial that motorists are enabled to choose the latest, low and zero emission cars that are best suited to their needs and lifestyle. Franchised retailers play a key role in informing their customers and the new car environmental label will represent a very useful tool.”