More car buyers aware of impact of CO2 emissions

A new survey of UK car dealers from HPI reveals the growing influence of CO2 emissions on consumer car buying decisions. There is a 52% increase of dealers confirming that CO2 emissions influence customers’ purchasing decision in 2010, compared to 2007.

With the growing focus on carbon emissions, many dealers are choosing to download the HPI CO2Certificate, which can provide customers with clear ‘at a glance’ information on the running costs, fuel consumption and environmental performance of a vehicle.

In 2010, 71% confirmed that CO2 emissions did influence the purchasing decision of car buyers, compared to 45% in 2007, showing a significant shift in attitudes. In addition, the survey revealed that in 2010, 59% of dealers report that customers ask about CO2 emissions for the vehicle they are buying. This compares to 44% dealers saying the same in 2007, showing a 34% increase.

Daniel Burgess, Director of Automotive at HPI comments, “Our survey results show that car dealers are witnessing a change in car buyers’ attitudes towards making greener choices.93% 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 (72% in 2007).

“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% increase in consumer awareness of lower tax bands and a 29% 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.”

Free with every HPI Check, the CO2 Certificate highlights the level of CO2 emissions a vehicle creates, using the industry standard CO2 emissions rating chart – reflecting those already being displayed on new vehicles. Dealers can conduct an HPI Check safe in the knowledge that their customers will have access to the right level of information, regarding carbon emissions.