11:53 pm, March 21, 2011
A NEW survey by HPI has revealed the growing importance of CO2 emissions on consumers’ buying decisions.
The survey of UK car dealers shows a 52 per cent increase of dealers confirming that CO2 emissions influence customers’ purchasing decisions in 2010, compared to 2007.
In 2010, 71 per cent of dealers confirmed that emissions did influence the purchasing decision of car buyers, compared to 45 per cent in 2007.
In addition, the survey revealed that in 2010, 59 per cent of dealers report that customers ask about CO2 emissions for the vehicle they are buying – this compares to 44 per cent dealers saying the same in 2007, showing a 34 per cent increase.
HPI says that many dealers are choosing to download the HPI CO2 Certificate, which can provide customers with clear ‘at a glance’ information on the running costs, fuel consumption and environmental performance of a vehicle.
Daniel Burgess, director of automotive at HPI, said: ‘Our survey results show that car dealers are witnessing a change in car buyers’ attitudes towards making greener choices. 93 per cent of dealers surveyed by the leading vehicle information expert, believe that today’s car buyers are more concerned with a vehicle’s emissions than they were a few years ago.
‘Consumers though are just as concerned about reducing their motoring costs, making this a key factor when considering which vehicle to buy next. Undoubtedly, rising fuel prices have accelerated the growing interest in buying ‘green’, with a 54 per cent increase in consumer awareness of lower tax bands and a 29 per cent increase in a focus on reducing motoring costs, compared to three years ago.
‘It’s clear that consumers are conscious of making real savings on the overall costs associated with owning a car and this means that greener motoring makes economic sense as well as eco sense.
‘With this in mind, many dealers are using the HPI CO2 certificate to help their customers make informed choices to reduce their carbon emissions and their motoring costs.’
