Why Are Motorists Going Green?

Motorists in the UK have shown a keen interest in going ‘green’, with more than half of all car owners being concerned about the impact their vehicle is having on the environment. New research shows that even despite the recession 62% of UK motorists are considering an electric or hybrid vehicle as their next car purchase.

Green means go:

Motorists are ready to go green; however 93% of car owners say that it is fundamentally dependant on a greener vehicle cash incentive scheme from the government. The AA have backed up this belief by releasing fresh research suggesting that the environment impact of a vehicle is growing in importance amongst the factors considered by motorists.

“Motorists are opting for more fuel-efficient cars in greater numbers than ever before”, says the SMMT. The great irony is that rising fuel costs, not just environmental concerns, have done more to accelerate the shift to fuel-efficient cars than any other initiative. Whether we like it or not, for most motorists, saving money is an important as saving the planet when it comes to selecting which car to drive.

A significant financial incentive to ‘go green’ would make the choice more appealing to many motorists and this is hopefully something that the Government will consider after the success of the second-hand scrappage scheme.

Steps are being taken towards imposing mandatory efficiency standards on all new vehicles sold in Europe as part of a master plan to combat climate change. The cost of ‘gas-guzzling’ cars could soar in five years’ time under new plans proposed by the EEC, and some of the UK’s leading car manufacturers could be hit the hardest.

Motorists are going green:

The proportion of drivers who car share has gone up from 19% to 24%, showing that motorists are prepared to make changes to their driving behaviour as they are concerned about our ecological future.

Those age between 35 and 44 years-old are leading the green charge and the younger generation also have a say in influencing and driving their parents' buying habits. Recent studies have found that women are much more likely than men to worry about the damage their driving does to the environment, with 65% expressing concern compared to 45% of men.

New research shows that even despite the recession, 62% of UK motorists polled are considering an electric or hybrid vehicle as their next car purchase. With Nine out of ten of motorists saying they would be more likely to buy a greener vehicle if there was better infrastructure in place for electric cars.

The fact that public opinion is visibly swaying towards going green could potentially encourage political leaders to take more decisive action about protecting the planet. Proving that value for money remains a priority for car buyers, 94% motorists said they would be motivated to ‘go green’ if the technology was cheaper.
 

- K.J.N -